This course is designed to provide an introduction to deductive theory and formal modelling. Topics covered include elementary decision theory, game theory and theory of social choice, with no mathematical prerequisites assumed expect high school algebra.
Formal Modelling and Political Analysis I (POLS 534)
Programs\Type | Required | Core Elective | Area Elective |
Computer Science and Engineering - With Master's Degree | * | ||
Conflict Analysis and Resolution - Non Thesis | * | ||
Conflict Analysis and Resolution - With Thesis | * | ||
Leaders for Industry Biological Sciences and Bioengineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
Leaders for Industry Industrial Engineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
Leaders for Industry Materials Science and Engineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
Leaders for Industry Mechatronics Engineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
Political Science - Non Thesis | * | ||
Political Sciences - With Bachelor's Degree | * | ||
Political Sciences - With Master's Degree | * | ||
Political Science - With Thesis | * | ||
Public Policy - With Thesis | * |
CONTENT
OBJECTIVE
This course primarily aims to expose the students to just one view of the world that is shaped by the paradigm of rational choice. More specifically, we will focus on one part of this paradigm represented by game theoretic reasoning to resolve some long-standing questions of political science. Towards this objective not only the analytical basis of game theoretical reasoning will be introduced but also applications of this particular reasoning to basic problems of political inquiry in various modern branches of political literature will be introduced with an eye towards developing the methodological tools necessary to construct a formal model.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- understand basic game theory concepts
- apply basic game theory concepts to political science questions
- assess the applications of basic game theory concepts in the political science literature
- analyze politics from an analytical perspective
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
1. Develop and deepen the current and advanced knowledge in the field with original thought and/or research and come up with innovative definitions based on Master's degree qualifications 5
2. Conceive the interdisciplinary interaction which the field is related with ; come up with original solutions by using knowledge requiring proficiency on analysis, synthesis and assessment of new and complex ideas. 5
3. Evaluate and use new information within the field in a systematic approach. 4
4. Develop an innovative knowledge, method, design and/or practice or adapt an already known knowledge, method, design and/or practice to another field; research, conceive, design, adapt and implement an original subject. 4
5. Critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation of new and complex ideas. 5
6. Gain advanced level skills in the use of research methods in the field of study. 5
7. Contribute the progression in the field by producing an innovative idea, skill, design and/or practice or by adapting an already known idea, skill, design, and/or practice to a different field independently. 4
8. Broaden the borders of the knowledge in the field by producing or interpreting an original work or publishing at least one scientific paper in the field in national and/or international refereed journals. 4
9. Demonstrate leadership in contexts requiring innovative and interdisciplinary problem solving. 4
10. Develop new ideas and methods in the field by using high level mental processes such as creative and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making. 5
11. Investigate and improve social connections and their conducting norms and manage the actions to change them when necessary. 4
12. Defend original views when exchanging ideas in the field with professionals and communicate effectively by showing competence in the field. 4
13. Ability to communicate and discuss orally, in written and visually with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio C1 General Level. 3
14. Contribute to the transition of the community to an information society and its sustainability process by introducing scientific, technological, social or cultural improvements. 4
15. Demonstrate functional interaction by using strategic decision making processes in solving problems encountered in the field. 5
16. Contribute to the solution finding process regarding social, scientific, cultural and ethical problems in the field and support the development of these values. 4
1. Develop the ability to use critical, analytical, and reflective thinking and reasoning 5
2. Reflect on social and ethical responsibilities in his/her professional life. 3
3. Gain experience and confidence in the dissemination of project/research outputs 4
4. Work responsibly and creatively as an individual or as a member or leader of a team and in multidisciplinary environments. 5
5. Communicate effectively by oral, written, graphical and technological means and have competency in English. 4
6. Independently reach and acquire information, and develop appreciation of the need for continuously learning and updating. 5
1. Understand the policy-making process in the contemporary world. 1
2. Contribute to the design of public policy using a multidisciplinary perspective in specific policy areas. 2
3. Develop ability to evaluate the impact of public policy. 1
1. Begin to grasp historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics. 4
1. Analyze current and persistent conflict situations with an emphasis on perceptual and cultural aspects of social conflicts. 4
2. Conduct research in sources of conflicts and possible conflict resolution methods such as negotiation, third-party intervention, cooperative decision making, peace building, track-two and citizens' diplomacy applied to various social contexts. 4
3. Design and implement conflict resolution process to policy issues related to disputes in or among identity groups, governments, organizations, civil society or corporations. 3
4. Develop and sustain arguments in a variety of forms, formulating appropriate questions and utilizing evidence. 5
1. Analyze current and persistent conflict situations with an emphasis on perceptual and cultural aspects of social conflicts. 4
2. Conduct research in sources of conflicts and possible conflict resolution methods such as negotiation, third-party intervention, cooperative decision making, peace building, track-two and citizens' diplomacy applied to various social contexts. 4
3. Design and implement conflict resolution process to policy issues related to disputes in or among identity groups, governments, organizations, civil society or corporations. 3
4. Develop and sustain arguments in a variety of forms, formulating appropriate questions and utilizing evidence. 5
1. Begin to grasp historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics. 4
Update Date:
ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA
Percentage (%) | |
Final | 30 |
Midterm | 20 |
Assignment | 40 |
Participation | 10 |
RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS
Textbook |
Martin Osborne, An Introduction to Game Theory, Oxford University Press 2004 |
Readings |
Lichbach, Mark I., 2003, Is Rational Choice Theory All of Social Science? University of Michigan Press, Chapter 3, 28-40 (e-book) |