This course is an introduction to formal non-cooperative game theory. Rather than focusing on applications, the course will be concerned with the development of the tools of game theory, including basic decision theory, equilibrium concepts and their justifications, theories of knowledge and belief. Announcements about readings, problem sets, etc. are on the Welcome page.
To be successful, students will need to have mastered a set of skills. Basic probability theory, including probability functions, densities and cdfs, conditioning and the law of iterated expectations, Bayes theorem and the like. Students will need to be familiar with the calculus of one variable, and basic matrix algebra would be useful. A self-test can be found here. Good performance on the self-test is a necessary (but not sufficient) condition for success in the class. Students should have taken an intermediate-level microeconomics course, and be familiar with the optimization representation of rational choice as well as with the basic ideas of social welfare and the game-theoretic fables that arise in microeconomics classes; e.g. Cournot and Bertrand competition, the prisoners dilemma, and auctions.
Course Staff
- Lawrence Blume, lb19, 470 Uris, Office Hrs. Tue 4:00-5:30
- TA: Haomin Yu, hy428, 465 Uris Hall, Office Hrs. Mon 9:30-11:00
Textbook
- Steven Tadelis, Game Theory: An Introduction, Princeton University Press
Learning Outcomes
- Become familiar with the basic concepts and principles of game theory, including its assumptions.
- Be able to compute equilibria in tractable games.
- Be able to model strategic interactions as games.
- Critique game-theoretic analyses of in strtegic situations.
- Critique fundamental concepts of game theory.
Grading
Course grades will be determined as follows: short quizzes (50%), problem sets (10%), and a final exam (40%). Grades will be assigned in accordance with Cornell's official grading policy. Final exam information can be found here
Academic Integrity
Each student in this course is expected to abide by the Cornell University Code of Academic Integrity. Any work submitted by a student in this course for academic credit will be the student’s own work. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with Cornell's academic integrity policies. Please read The Essential Guide to Academic Integrity at Cornell. Selling course materials is a copyright infringement. Original course materials are intellectual property that belong to the author and are not a student’s property to sell.
Meeting Times
We meet in Kaufmann Auditorium in Goldwyn Smith Hall on Monday and Wednesday from 2:55PM to 4:10PM.
Exams
- Prelim: Mon 24 March
- Final: TK
Academic Accommodations
Students wanting an accommodation should, if they have not already, register with Student Disability Services. They will assist in verifying disabilities and determining reasonable accommodations. If you need exam accommodations the TA and I will need to consult with you within the first two weeks of class. If you need a short term accommodation, speak with me and the TA after class. Slides and instructor notes are not available for this class.
Last Modified: <2025-02-28 12:57:30>