Last update: Dr. rer. pol. Michal Parízek, M.Sc., Ph.D. (01.02.2019)
This course is designed to introduce students to game theory as an approach to studying political phenomena. Specifically, we will explore two strands of models: 1) the so called spatial models of politics, and 2) game theory. Studying politics using such spatial models and game theory will offer explanations into the behavior of actors (states, international organizations, political leaders) and alternative ways of interpreting political outcomes. This course sets out two important goals. The first is to familiarize students with strategic thinking in political science. To this end, students will be asked to complete some basic game theory exercises. The second goal is to apply this approach to the study of a range of topics relevant for the students of international relations and politics more broadly, including international conflict, legislative bargaining, the international political economy, arms control and deterrence, the provision of public goods, or international cooperation. The course is run in Moodle, the Charles University e-learning system. To enrol and to get access to the course material, go to http://dl1.cuni.cz/enrol/index.php?id=3183.
Please see the attached syllabus for detailed information.
Aim of the course
Last update: Dr. rer. pol. Michal Parízek, M.Sc., Ph.D. (26.03.2019)
The specific objectives of the course are:
to introduce students to the key formal analytical tools available for political research, with an emphasis on applied game theory
to present some of the most important applications of formal analytical methods to the empirical phenomena of various kinds (from the realms of both domestic and international politics, from security as well as political economy)
to encourage development of students' ability to use formal analytical tools in their own work in their area of interest
to motivate students for further study of the subject.
Teaching methods
Last update: Dr. rer. pol. Michal Parízek, M.Sc., Ph.D. (26.03.2019)
Homework problem-sets will be assigned regularly. For each class there are required reading(s) assigned, and so are supplementary textbook readings. There is no single textbook assigned for the course. The textbook readings cover the new material presented in the class. In general, the textbook readings come from the following three textbooks:
Kenneth A. Shepsle. Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior and Instititutions. W.W. Norton & Company, 2nd edition, June 2010
Melvin J. Hinich and Michael C. Munger. Analytical Politics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, April 1997
James D. Morrow. Game Theory for Political Scientists. Princeton University Press,Princeton, November 1994
Students that want to review and deepen their mathematical skills are advised to consult the very accessible Jeff Gill. Essential mathematics for political and social research. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2006, or Kevin Wainwright and Alpha Chiang. Fundamental methods of mathematical economics. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, Boston, Mass., 2005.
Requirements to the exam
Last update: Dr. rer. pol. Michal Parízek, M.Sc., Ph.D. (26.03.2019)
Successful completion of the course requires first and foremost active participation and interest in the subject matter. On the formal level, this means you will need to:
regularly attend the classes
do the problem sets and quizzes that help you familiarize yourself with the material covered in each of the classes and deepen your understanding of it (in total 40% of the grade)
for each class, read carefully all the required readings and answer the questions (in total 30% of the grade)
pass the mid-term (10%) and the final tests (20%)
See the attached complete syllabus for more information.
