Syllabus—Math 1250: Introduction to Game Theory (Spring 2013)
Quick Reference
Meeting: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:45 am, Morton Hall 226
Course #: 3361
Instructor: Richard Buckalew Email: rb301008@ohio.edu
Office Hours: MWF 9:30-10:30 Office: Morton Hall 532B
Text: Game Theory and Strategy by Philip D Straffin (ISBN 0-88385-637-9)
Web page: http://www.ohio.edu/people/rb301008/teaching.html
Course Overview
In this course, you will learn:
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the basic definitions and concepts of Game Theory
some of the standard (and not-so-standard) examples
some tools for analyzing games
a little bit of Statistics
a little bit of Utility Theory
how to cast a real-life conflict into game theoretic terms
Use your resources. Office hours are available for any questions or difficulties you might have. You
are encouraged to read the text on your own, as it is excellent and accessible. Additionally,
supplemental materials will be available on the course web page.
Assignments and Grading
Your grade will be based on a combination of in-class assignments, your games portfolio, and a final
exam.
In-class assignments (50%): we will play and analyze a number of games, and explore some
interesting related topics. These assignments will take the form of worksheets, activities, and short
writing assignments. A maximum of 4 such assignments can be made up due to absence.
Games portfolio (30%): you are expected to maintain a portfolio of every game we analyze.
Templates will be provided for recording this analysis, as well as the major concepts and features
exemplified by each game.
Final exam (20%): The final exam for this class is Monday, April 29 at 10:10 am. You will be permitted
to use your games portfolio as a reference.