Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MATH 302 E100

Mathematical Journeys II (3)

Game Theory

Class Number: 5316

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2026
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 152 or 155 or 158, and MATH 232 or 240, all with a minimum grade of C-. There may be additional prerequisites depending on the specific course topic.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A focused exploration of a special topic (varying from term to term) that builds on mathematical ideas from lower division courses and provides further challenges in quantitative and deductive reasoning. Each Journeys course is designed to appeal particularly to mathematics minor students and others with a broad interest in mathematics. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to both combinatorial and classical game theory.  We will establish the fundamentals of combinatorial games and positions, introduce game trees, and prove the Sprague Grundy Theorem.  We then move on to the setting of classical game theory, proving Von Neumann's Minmax Theorem, and then exploring general games and equilibria, many player games, and a variety of associated real-world contexts where game theory provides us with a valuable tool for decision making and system design.

Grading

  • Homework 20%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final 30%
  • Project 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

We will use course notes 
(which are based on the book: Game Theory by DeVos & Kent)

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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.