Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module ECON3301: Game Theory and Applications

Department: Economics and Finance

ECON3301: Game Theory and Applications

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2020/21 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to L100
Tied to L106
Tied to L109
Tied to LL12
Tied to LL02
Tied to LL01
Tied to L1R1
Tied to L103
Tied to L104
Tied to L105
Tied to L115
Tied to L116
Tied to L117
Tied to VL52
Tied to VLL6
Tied to VLLA

Prerequisites

  • Microeconomics (ECON2021)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The aim of this module is to equip students with the advanced knowledge and analytical skills associated with game theory and its economic applications.

Content

  • Game Theory is the systematic study of strategic interactions that are present everywhere, not only in economics but in politics, sociology, law, computer science, and sports. This module will mainly cover an introduction to the tools of game theory with an emphasis on its application to real life problems. Topics will be drawn primarily from the following:
  • Introduction to game theory: The first part of the module will develop the necessary tools to resolve conflicts in real life problems where economic agents strategise to improve their prospects. The module will consider Nash equilibrium as a solution concept and elaborate on its refinements. Then, it will cover four types of fundamental games: games of perfect and incomplete information, static and dynamic games. Finally, we will introduce cooperative games.
  • Applications: After an introduction to fundamentals of game theory, the module will apply the tools acquired in the first part to propose a resolution in several real life problems: bargaining, auctions, market design, mechanism design and resource allocation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • At the conclusion of the module students should:
  • be able to interpret scholarly articles that pursue a game theoretic approach;
  • have explored, understood and appreciated the complexity and contradictions of the relevant academic literature and be able to identify their own research questions.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • At the end of this module, students should:
  • be able to conduct game theoretic analysis for the resolution of practical problems driven by strategic behaviour;
  • be able to comment on the design of markets and private and public policies at local, national and international level, informed by the knowledge of game theory acquired in the module.
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication;
  • Planning, Organising and Time Management;
  • Problem Solving and analysis by applying game theory knowledge;
  • Using Initiative;
  • Numeracy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of a written assignment. Summative assessment is by means of a written examination and an assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 21 1 Per Week 1 Hour 21
Seminars 8 Fortnightly 1 Hour 8
Preparation and Reading 171
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One written examination 2 hours 100%
Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
One summative assignment 1,500 words max 100%

Formative Assessment:

One written piece of work of not more than 1,000 words


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University