ClassInfo - Fall 2019 Political Science Classes

Fall 2019 | POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (20938)

Instructor(s): James Hollyer
Matt Eichinger (TA)
Class Component:: Lecture
Credits:: 3 Credits
Grading Basis:: Student Option
Instructor Consent:: No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:: In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:: UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:: Regular Academic Session

09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019

Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM

UMTC, West Bank

Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:: Open (41 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:: (Tentative) Fall 2022

Course Catalog Description:: The purpose of this class is threefold: First, to introduce students to the use and value of formal models of strategic interaction (game theoretic models) in international relations. Second, to impart some basic tools of such modeling to students. And third, to examine the contribution of theoretical models to substantive areas in international relations. In keeping with these three goals, the course is divided into three sections. The first two weeks will devoted to such questions as: What is a theoretical model? What are rational choice and game theory? How are game theoretic models employed in international relations and what have been seminal contributions to the literature? The next portion of the class will introduce students to the basic tools employed in game theoretic analysis. The readings will illustrate the use of the tools introduced in class. And five problem sets will be administered, requiring students to make use of these tools. The final portion of the class will examine substantive questions in international relations through the lens of game theory. The topics to be presented include: Domestic Politics and War, International Agreements and Treaties, International Finance and Trade, Conditionality, Terrorism, and Human Rights.
Class Notes:: http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4887+Fall2019
Class Description:: This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
Grading:: 30% Midterm Exam
40% Final Exam
10% Class Participation
20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
Exam Format:: Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
Class Format:: Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
Workload:: 30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
5 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
Textbooks:: https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20938/1199
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:: 4 September 2007

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