STV4110B – Political game theory

Course content

Political game theory provides an introduction to game theory and its applications to political science and the evaluations of empirical implications arising from these applications. The course covers choice and social choice theory, static and dynamic games of complete information, static and dynamic games of incomplete information, repeated games, bargaining theory and mechanism design. We discuss applications from all of the empirical areas of political science, comparative politics, international relations and public administration. Finally, the course provides hands-on introduction for statistical testing of predictions from game-theoretic models.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

  • Recognize the key features of different types of models developed in game theory
  • Be aware of and able to evaluate the main contributions from applied game theory to political science
  • Recognise the various strength and weaknesses of competing approaches for empirically evaluating game theoretic models

Skills

  • Ability to solve standard game theoretic models
  • Identify and apply relevant game theoretic models to substantive research questions in political science
  • Develop and implement a strategy for empirically evaluating the implications derived from these models

Competences

  • Analytical skills
  • Awareness of the role of assumptions for theoretical development
  • Appreciation for the role of theoretical micro-foundation for empirical research

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Bachelor's degree in Political Science or equivalent.

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor's degree in Political Science or equivalent.

Teaching

10 lectures will be given.

This course will be taught at the University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used. Fronter will normally be used.

The course is part of the regular course offerings at the Faculty of Social Science. Teaching is mainly held during the daytime. Detailed course-information is found on the Webpage for the current semester.

Access to teaching

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.

Examination

Students will be evaluated on the basis of the weekly assignments. There will not be a final school exam. All assignments must be handed in on time in order to pass the course.

Language of examination

It is generally possible to submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

Resit an examination

Withdrawal from an examination

It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.

Special examination arrangements

Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.

Facts about this course

Credits
10
Level
Master
Teaching
Autumn 2012
Examination
Autumn 2012
Teaching language
English