Economics 321-Applied Game Theory
Rutgers University-Camden
Spring 2015 Syllabus
________________________________________________________________________
Prof. John Smith
327 Armitage Hall
Phone: (856) 225-6319
Office Hours: T/Th 12:30-1:30 PM or by appointment
Email: smithj@camden.rutgers.edu
**Note: This email is not connected to my phone. I will respond as soon as possible but
do not expect an instant response**
Time: T/Th 9:30-10:50 AM
Location 219 Armitage
Website: https://sakai.rutgers.edu/portal/site/555199e3-339e-497a-a8f5-08dc51264198
(or follow the link from http://crab.rutgers.edu/~smithj )
Textbook: Games of Strategy by Avinash Dixit, David Reiley and Susan Skeath, 3rd
edition.
Grading:
Problem Sets: 10%
Participation in experiment: 5%
Class participation: 5%
Maximum of either:
-Midterms, Best 2 of 3: 40%
-Final: 40%
or
-All 3 Midterms: 50%
-Final: 30%
The class participation portion of the grade will be determined by classroom behavior.
Constructive comments or questions will lead to a higher grade. Distractions, such as
taking during class or use of any electronic device during class, will lead to a lower
grade.
There are no makeup midterms for any reason. If you miss a midterm then this will count
as your lowest exam. Midterms will be given in class on February 12, March 5, and
April 14
The Final Exam is Thursday May 7, 8:00-11:00
Review sessions will be given in class before every exam. These are most helpful if you
keep up with the class.
Participation in an experiment will account for 5% of your grade. Due to participation in
the experiment, there is no class on April 7.
I only accept email attachments as a pdf file
Lecture notes will be posted on the course website. Do not infer that class attendance is
not strongly recommended.
Late problem sets are not accepted.
This class is designed to improve your understanding of the strategic situations ranging
from what you face everyday to the strategic interaction between nations.
Prerequisites: High School Algebra. It is not assumed that you have taken Economics
361.
How is this class related to Economics 361? Economics 361 focuses on the theory of
games. This class focuses on the interpretation and application of the theory. Neither is a
prerequisite for the other.
Schedule
January 20-Lecture 1
Chapter 1: Basic Ideas and Examples
January 22-Lecture 2
Chapter 2: How to Think About Strategic Games
January 27-Lecture 3
Chapter 3: Games with Sequential Moves
January 29, February 3 and 5-Lectures 4, 5 and 6
Chapter 4: Simultaneous-Move Games with Pure Strategies I: Discrete Strategies
Chapter 5: Simultaneous-Move Games with Pure Strategies II: Continuous Strategies and
III: Discussion and Evidence
February 10-First Midterm Review
February 12-First Midterm Exam
February 17-Lecture 7
Chapter 6: Combining Sequential and Simultaneous Moves
February 19 and 24-Lectures 8 and 9
Chapter 7: Simultaneous-Move Games with Mixed Strategies I: Two-by-Two Games
February 26 -Lecture 10
Chapter 8: Simultaneous-Move Games with Mixed Strategies II: Some General Theory
March 3-Second Midterm Review
March 5-Second Midterm Exam
March 10- Lecture 11
Chapter 9: Uncertainty and Information (Part 1)
March 12- Lecture 12
Chapter 9: Uncertainty and Information (Part 2)
March 17 and 19
Spring Break
March 24 and 26- Lectures 13 and 14
Chapter 10: Strategic Moves
March 31 and April 2, and 7-Lectures 15 and 16
Chapter 11: Prisoner’s Dilemma and Repeated Games
No class on April 7 due to participation in experiment
April 9-Third Midterm Review
April 14-Third Midterm Exam
April 16 and 21-Lectures 18 and 19
Chapter 12: Collective-Action Games
April 23-Lecture 20
Chapter 13: Evolutionary Games
April 28-Lecture 21
Chapter 17: Bidding Strategy and Auction Design
April 30-Final Review
Final Exam: Thursday May 7, 8:00-11:00