GV4J6      Half Unit
Game Theory for Research

This information is for the 2016/17 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Stephane Wolton

Availability

This course is available on the MRes Political Science and MSc in Political Science and Political Economy. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

Some knowledge of game theory at the level of GV4C8.

Course content

Advanced treatment of game theory. The course will cover: Nash Equilibrium in static and repeated games, Subgame Perfect Nash Equilibrium, Perfect Bayesian Equilibrium and its refinements. The course will also discuss the implications of formal theory models for empirical analysis (comparative statics, equilibrium selection, omitted variable bias). Students will be exposed to both technical concepts and applications of these concepts in selected papers.

Teaching

22 hours of lectures in the LT.

Formative coursework

Students will meet with the instructor to discuss their research project twice during the LT.

Indicative reading

A game theory textbook to be determined. A reading list for applications of the main concepts covered in class will be provided to students at the beginning of the term.

Assessment

Exam (40%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Presentation (30%) in the LT.
Other (30%) in the ST.

Students will be assessed on a class presentation on a paper decided in advance with the instructor (weight 30%), a small research project using the methodological concepts developed in the course (weight 30%), and a two-hour examination during the main period (weight 40%).

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2015/16: Unavailable

Average class size 2015/16: Unavailable

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills