San Francisco State University
Mathematics Department
Fall 2012
Math 490: Game Theory
Instructor
Jean-Pierre Langlois, PhD
Office: TH 926
Email: langlois@math.sfsu.edu
Web: http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~langlois
Office Hours: Wed 12:00-3:00
Class meetings: TuTh 12:35-13:50 in TH 211
Jean-Pierre Langlois received his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from UC Berkeley in
1983. He has taught in Mathematics departments at UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, and
San Francisco State University, in the Government department at Georgetown University,
and in the School of Business at the University of Versailles (France).
His work in game theory and applications to politics and economics has appeared in
academic journals such as American Journal of Political Science, World Politics, Journal
of Mathematical Economics, International Studies Quarterly, British Journal of Political
Science, and Journal of Conflict Resolution. His GamePlan software has been reviewed
in The Economic Journal.
Reading and Software
Game Theory with GamePlan (Langlois, 2012) Lecture notes.
downloadable at: http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~langlois/
GamePlan 3.5 for Game Theory Software (Langlois, 2012).
downloadable at: http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~langlois/
Requirements and grading
This course requires no specific mathematical background but students should have some
mathematical maturity. Successful completion of Calculus II (Math 227) and some
notions of probability theory are expected. Students should have good computer skills but
no programming experience is required. Students must complete two modeling tests,
homework assignments, and a term project during the course of the semester. The term
project should involve the modeling, testing, solving and critical discussion of a realworld problem that can be formulated in game theoretic terms. Grading is based on two
modeling tests (20% each), homework and participation (20%) and a term project (40%).
Topics
Game Theory is a branch of applied mathematics that deals with problems of conflict and
cooperation by postulating rational decision makers. It is used as a formal modeling tool
in the Social Sciences and in Biology. It has been applied to issues such as nuclear
deterrence, arms and trade rivalries, economic competition and collusion, legislative
bargaining, and biological evolution. This course will introduce the students to the
concepts and techniques of game theory and will develop their ability to understand,
design, solve, and criticize game models. Class will be a mix of lectures, discussions,
simulations, and laboratory using the GamePlan computer software.
Each topic below corresponds to about one week of classes, for a total of twelve weeks.
The remaining three weeks will be devoted to the presentation and discussion of
modeling cases.
I. Basic Game Theory
1: Normal and extensive form games, strategy, best reply, and equilibrium.
2: Introduction to the GamePlan software.
3: The fundamental theorem (John Nash).
II. Advanced Concepts
4: Equilibrium path, beliefs, information, sequential rationality.
5: Games of incomplete information.
6: Repeated and network games.
III. Basic Applications
7: Learning, signaling and screening.
8: Deterrence.
9: Social Dilemma.
IV. Advanced Topics
10: Repeated continuous games.
11: Strategic Bargaining.
12: Games of timing.
Instructor Policy
Students are expected and encouraged to participate and ask questions. Attendance is
mandatory and instructor may take roll. All interactions should be courteous. Student
complaints, if any, must be made privately and outside class. Cell phone use is strictly
prohibited in class. Students must ensure that no device (cell phone, pager, etc) can ring
during class or they will be asked to leave immediately. Late students may be turned
away.
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are responsible for making changes to their official academic schedule. If you decide not
to attend a class you enrolled in, you must drop that class through GATOR REG during
access hours. If you added a class during the first two weeks and then decide to drop,
you must drop through GATOR REG during access hours. As a courtesy, you are
expected to notify the instructor of your intent to drop the class.
Aug 27 – Sep 10:
Dropping class(es) using GATOR REG
8 a.m. to Midnight Sunday through Friday
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quality of student performance and is not used as units attempted in calculating grade
point average or progress points. The expectation of being dropped for nonattendance
is not a sufficient reason for withdrawal.
Sep 11 - Nov 26: Withdrawal from a course(s) is permissible only for serious and
compelling reasons. If the withdrawal is approved, the student will receive a “W” grade.
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petitions.
Nov 27 - Dec 17: Withdrawals are normally not permitted during this period except
in cases of verified accident or serious illness where the cause of withdrawal is due to
circumstances clearly beyond the student's control and where the assignment of an
incomplete is not practical. Ordinarily, withdrawals in this category involves a total
withdrawal from the University.
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In a course where CR/NC grading is permitted, the student must notify the instructor
and request it through GATOR REG on or before October 23rd. Requests for
changes in grading option after the deadline are made on the Petition for Waiver of
College Regulations form. The CR/NC grading symbols carry no grade point credit. The
CR grading symbol used in an undergraduate level course is equivalent to grades A
through C- or in a graduate level course is equivalent to grades A through B-. Students
should be aware that other institutions often interpret CR as a C grade and NC as an F
grade in evaluating transcripts. Grading option change after the deadline is seldom
granted.
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To register in a class as an Auditor, the student must obtain instructor’s approval to
audit by filling out a Waiver of College Regulations form. Auditors may not change to
credit status and vice versa after the September 10th deadline.
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