Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - ECON 422 D100

Seminar in Game Theory (3)

Class Number: 6700

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 18, 2021
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 302 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Seminar in game theory and its applications. Covers equilibrium and non-equilibrium concepts for studying strategic interactions for static and/or dynamic games with complete and/or incomplete information. Applications will be drawn from human cooperation, market structure and design, strategic communication, politics, business strategy, collective bargaining, psychology, and environmental issues. Students who have taken ECON 482 Selected Topics - Applied Game Theory in Fall 2014 or Fall 2016 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is a continuation of ECON 302 and introduces students to additional concepts from game theory such as Bayesian games and perfect Bayesian equilibrium. However, the focus is on applications such as non-cooperative bargaining, reputation and strategic information transmission.

A solid background in ECON 302 is necessary – while this course starts with a review of relevant concepts, students that did poorly in ECON 302 can expect to have a very hard time in ECON 422.

Problem sets are the central component of this course. As such, they will be challenging and require a high degree of commitment. Students are expected to struggle with certain problems and to persevere in finding a solution. Those that enjoy this process should find this course quite rewarding.

In order to develop students’ communication skills, most problem sets will be evaluated through presentations. Problem sets may also be evaluated through quiz(zes). Prior notice of the form of evaluation will NOT be given; therefore, all students must be ready to take a quiz or present solutions on every problem set due date.

Students will write a short paper (5 pages, double-spaced) applying a game from class to a real-world situation of their choice. They will propose a simple modification to the game that is relevant to the chosen situation and formulate conjectures about how the modification might affect results (without being required to formally solve the modified game). Half of the score on the paper will be based on language and formatting.

Grading

  • Review quiz and problem sets 35%
  • Short paper 20%
  • Participation 5%
  • Final exam 40%

NOTES:

If favourable to the student, the following alternative scheme will be used: Review quiz and problem sets 25%, Short paper 20%, Participation 5%, Final 50%.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Tadelis, Game Theory: An Introduction, Princeton University Press.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.