Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - ECON 222 D100

Introduction to Game Theory (3)

Class Number: 4083

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2023
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 103 or MATH 157, with a minimum grade of C-, or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to game theory and strategic thinking. Covers the core concepts and tools for analyzing strategic interactions, as well as various applications in economics and other fields such as business, political science, history, sports, and biology. Students who have taken ECON 282 Selected Topics - Intro Game Theory in Fall 2011, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, or Spring 2019 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to game theory and its applications in various fields, with an emphasis on economics. Topics include iterated strict dominance, Nash equilibrium, and subgame-perfect equilibrium, which are also covered in ECON 302, but with different applications. Additional material includes evolutionarily stable strategies and, if time permits, Bayesian Nash equilibrium.

Grading

  • Problem sets 16%
  • MobLab participation 16%
  • Midterm 27%
  • Final Exam 41%

NOTES:

Exams will be “curved” according to the generous end of departmental grading guidelines: 22% A, 39% B, 29% C, and 10% D/F/N. The fraction of D/F/N may be reduced if warranted by student performance. Full credit on problem sets (graded for completeness only) and MobLab participation is expected of all students.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

By Gibbons, Game Theory for Applied Economists, Princeton University Press, 1992.


Students may use a different introductory game theory book (see some options under “Recommended Reading”). However, Gibbons is the closest to this course in terms of the order in which the material is covered, and other textbooks may define some terms differently.


RECOMMENDED READING:

To see more examples of game theory in action, students are highly encouraged to read:

- McAdams, Game-Changer: Game Theory and the Art of Transforming Strategic Situations, W. W. Norton & Co., 2014.

Bonus points related to this book will be available on the final exam.


Acceptable alternatives to the Gibbons book include the following:

- Watson, Strategy: An Introduction to Game Theory, W.W. Norton & Co.


- Dixit, Skeath and Reiley, Games of Strategy, W. W. Norton & Co.


- Osborne, An Introduction to Game Theory, Oxford University Press.


A more advanced option is:

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


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.