Checking date: 22/05/2025 09:38:22


Course: 2025/2026

Cooperation, collective action and formal models of strategy
(16627)
Bachelor in International Studies (2014 Study Plan) (Plan: 329 - Estudio: 305)


Coordinating teacher: SANCHEZ-CUENCA RODRIGUEZ, IGNACIO

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:

Branch of knowledge: Social Sciences and Law



Objectives
LEARNING RESULTS · Knowledge of formal models of strategic behaviour, basic notions of utility theory, games in normal and extensive form and models of negotiation and collective action. · Understand how formal models can be used to analyse complex phenomena and know their main applications to collective action problems and cooperation, conflict, international crisis, dissuasion and market solutions.
Learning Outcomes
K1: Acquire the knowledge, techniques and terminology specific to the field of economics, politics and international relations. K3: To know basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile. K4: Acquire knowledge of the economic, legal, political and social reality from a comparative perspective. K7: To know and understand the main models of political, economic and social organization of States and the processes of change in contemporary societies and politics. K9: To know the relevant political and sociological theories to understand the structure and functioning of the main socio-political systems. S3: Plan and organize team work making the right decisions based on available information and gathering data in digital environments. S8: Knowing how to propose and use the appropriate tools to solve basic problems of economic, social and political content, especially in the international context. S10: Ability to gather and interpret relevant data and knowledge for the elaboration and defense of arguments on topics in their area of study. C3: Ability to establish good interpersonal communication and to work in multidisciplinary and international teams. C4: Be able to engage in lifelong autonomous learning, enabling them to adapt to new situations.
Description of contents: programme
1. First week: What type of science is game theory? 2. Second week: Two approaches to social phenomena. Diagnostic test of math skills 3. Third week: Rationality and Society; Math review. 4. Fourth week: Basic Concepts of Game Theory 5. Fifth week: Nash Equilibrium 6. Sixth week: Calculating Nash Equilibria. 7. Seventh week: Multiplicity of Equilibria. 8. Eighth week: Comparative Statics. 9. Ninth week: Tipping Games. 10. Tenth week: Subgame Perfect Equilibrium. 11. Eleventh week: Repeated Games. 12. Twelfth week: Folk Theorems. 13. Thirteenth week: Sustained Cooperation. 14. Fourteenth week: Norms and Institutions.
Learning activities and methodology
The teaching methodology used aims to follow the spirit of the Bologna model (continuous assessment). The theoretical knowledge from the lectures is also refined and deepened by the knowledge from the small-group classes (knowledge is knowledge). The approach seeks an interconnection between theory and practice. The tutorial system will be the same as the University's. The training activities will be those typical of both lectures and small-group classes, combining various teaching techniques. To this end, in addition to the case study method, other techniques such as guided readings, workshops, debates, films, etc. may be used. Knowledge of the press, specialized videos, websites of organizations and governments, international practice, etc. may be included. The schedule details possible activities, which the lead professor may change. The schedule will be applied flexibly and will always adapt to the evolving teaching environment. For example, the lecture and small-group classes should never be allowed to go uncoordinated.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination/test 20
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 80

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • Blau, Adrian. Methods in Analytical Political Theory. Cambridge University Press. 2017
  • Kydd, Andrew. International Relations Theory. The Game-Theory Approach. Cambridge University Press. 2015
  • Martin Osborne. An Introduction to Game Theory. Oxford University Press. 2004
  • Morrow, James. Game Theory for Political Scientists. University of Michigan Press. 1994
  • Niou, Emerson & Peter Ordeshook. Strategy and Politics: An Introduction to Game Theory. Duke University Press. 2015
  • Ordeshook, Peter. A Political Theory Primer. Routledge. 1992

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.