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Section Topic Outline

The following is an outline of the course by main topics and major writing assignments.

Subsection The Assumptions

Topics include: perfect knowledge, rationality, value
Big Questions
  • Do these assumptions really model society?
  • What happens if we change the assumptions?
  • What happens if we make assumptions that don’t actually hold?
Readings and Films
  • The Prisoner’s Dilemma
  • “Battles of Wits and Matters of Trust: Game Theory in Popular Culture”
  • Dr. Strangelove

Question 1.

Consider a game-theoretic scenario in a novel or film or your choice. How is the situation affected by the assumptions? Do all of the players seem to be using the same assumptions? How do the assumptions differ from standard game theory? What is the director or writer trying to convey about the characters through game theory? Your essay should be 3-5 pages.

Subsection The Models

Topics include: zero-sum games, Chicken, Prisoner’s Dilemma
Big Questions
  • Are these reasonable models for conflict?
  • How can we apply these models to political and societal situations?
Readings and Films

Question 2.

The Dark Knight and Return to Paradise both use social dilemmas such as the Prisoner’s Dilemma to comment on social issues such as trust and cooperation. Pick two characters from the films (can be the same film or different films) and relate their experience, choices, and motives to game theory. Some possible questions you can use to frame your essay:
  • What game are they playing?
  • What is the director trying to convey about the characters through the game?
  • Is the director truly applying game theory?
  • Is there a winner of the game?
  • Did players choose optimal strategies?
  • How would alternate strategies have changed the outcome of the game?
You are encouraged to develop your own question connecting the films and game theory. Be sure to provide evidence from the film(s) to support your claim. Your essay should be 3-5 pages.

Subsection Group Dynamics

Topics include: multiperson Prisoner’s Dilemma, Volunteer’s Dilemma
Big Questions
  • How can we model conflict and cooperation among groups?
  • What are the societal impacts of cooperation and defection?
Readings and Films

Question 3. Research Paper.

Choose a game-theoretic dilemma and examine how it has been applied in literature, fiction, television, and/or film. What does this dilemma convey about the characters, story, or society? Your paper should cite at least three academic sources and at least three novels, films, or television shows. Be sure to provide evidence to support your claim. You are encouraged to deviate from this basic frame with your own idea relating game theory to popular culture; however, you are required to get pre-approval for any paper idea that deviates significantly from the requirements. Your paper should be 8-10 pages.
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