TASP Game Theory (2017)

Course Description

This course is designed to encourage a logical, deductive approach to thinking, and to look at several different approaches to resolving conflicts. The major analytical method presented is “game theory.” Game theory methods are used to tackle issues and problems across the entire spectrum of the social sciences. The course is largely problem centered, applying game theory tactics and skills to hypothetical situations and to case studies that come from history, current world events, and the immediate world around us. Students will demonstrate their understanding of game theory in part by creating their own game.

Daily Plans

UNIT 1: The Basics of Strategy

Day 1

Vicarious thinking (Ugli Orange game and the Dollar Auction)

• If you are Lizol, click here to see your instructions.

• If you are Zanex, click here to see your instructions.

Day 2

Cooperation vs. Competition (Prisoners Dilemma)

• Activity #1

  • Click here and choose "Login."

  • Your login information is on your computer. Login and start playing the game.

• Activity #2

Day 3

Brinksmanship and Credibility (Chicken Game)

Day 4

Zero sum games and Nash equilibrium (Matching Pennies and Stag Hunt).

• Click here to go to a page with examples of games that have been developed by other students. They may give you some ideas.

Day 5

Coordination Games Intro: Battle of the Sexes

UNIT 2: Coordination Games

Day 6

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

2. Week 2 students: Develop games and complete instructions by the end of the period. Click here to see an example of instructions for the Game of Life.

Day 7

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

2. Week 2 students: Continue to develop games.

Day 8

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

2. Week 2 students: Continue to develop games.

Day 9

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

2. Week 2 students: Play games and make necessary changes.

Day 10

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

2. Week 2 students: Play games and vote on the best game.

UNIT 3: Kickstarter Project

Day 11

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

   1. Week 2 and 3 students: Develop a group game around a coordination problem.

Day 12

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

   1. Week 2 and 3 students: Develop a group game around a coordination problem.

Day 13

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

2. Week 2 and 3 students: Game Development and Kickstarter Project

Day 14

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

2. Week 2 and 3 students: Game Development and Kickstarter Project

Day 15

1. Week 1 students: Learn some of the basics of game theory (strategy).

2. Week 2 and 3 students: Game Development and Kickstarter Project