MATH 217: Mathematical Modelling in Political Science

Note: If this course is being taught this semester, more information can be found at the course home page.

Cross Listed

(none)

Prerequisites

Some mathematical sophistication required. MTH 141 or MTH 161 or MTH 171 suggested.

This course is a prerequisite or co-requisite for

(none)

Topics covered

  • Conflict with ordinal Game Theory, including elementary applications (Nash equilibria, Prisoner’s Dilemmma, Chicken and to “real-life” political situations) and Brams’ Theory of Moves,

  • measures of voting power (including the Banzhaf and Shaplety-Shubik indices),

  • apportionment,

  • social choice (including Arrow’s Theorem and Sen’s Theorem).

  • Ordinal measures of Power

  • Escalation and the dollar auction

  • Depending on time available, other topics may be treated, such as fair division and Vickrey auctions.