Topics in Economics: Political Economy & Strategic Games and Experiments

Game theory and experimental economics have become integral parts of economic analysis over the past 30 years. They are fundamental to learning economics because of their focus on strategic decision making and testing theoretical models of decision making. In this class, students will have the opportunity to participate in classroom experiments (decision exercises). They will then discuss how game theory is used to predict behavior in these decision settings. In addition, the class will develop some basic tools of statistics to draw inferences from the behavior they observe and to test the theoretical models.

In addition to being an introduction to micro-economics, this course will help students build a number of useful tools for future classes. The course will focus on developing several learning skills: (1) basics of game theory as an analytical tool, (2) basics of statistics and experimental methods as tools of inference, (3) numerous analytical tools that economists use to conceptualize economic questions. In particular, this course will serve directly as a foundational course to Economics 201, and indirectly to courses offered in political sciences, psychology, and international studies.

The format for the course will include lectures to develop analytical tools and a conceptual framework, active learning in a wide assortment of economic environments, and basic texts that provide a solid foundation for more advanced courses in economics and political economy.