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Mathematics in Politics and Law
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:32
Abstract
This course intends to show the usefulness of mathematical reasoning in selected areas of politics and law. As such, it targets both students with a mathematical/science/engineering background as well as students of political science and law who are interested in interdisciplinary methods.
Objective
Develop an understanding in which areas of politics and law and how specifically mathematical reasoning can be a helpful tool. Apply specific procedures and methods, inspired by microeconomics and computer science, in voting situations and negotiations. Drafting a concept for a scientific report, giving constructing feedback in a peer-review process, incorporating feedback from reviewers, and writing a scientific report.
Content
This course presents a selection of topics relevant to real-life elections as well as negotiations from a mathematical perspective, e.g. - Voting systems (Is there a `good' voting scheme?) - Apportionment theory (How can one reasonably apportion seats to representatives given a popular vote?) - Voting power (Who is the most influencial? How should one define voting power?) - Fairness (How do you fairly settle a negotiation over homogeneous/heterogeneous resources?) - ... Particular emphasis will be put on examples, such as - US and Swiss elections (vote splitting, gerrymandering) - EU Council - Divorces, bequests - Bilateral treaties - CO2 negotiations - Refugee distribution - ... The course consists of core lectures, exercise sessions, as well as a distinguished guest lecture that bridges theory and practice. Contact hours to discuss the student assignment and lecture content will also be announced.
Resources
Lecture Notes
A slide deck will be made available.
Literature
A list of relevant references will be distributed in the beginning of the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Mathematics in Politics and Law
The lecture takes palce ONLINE via Zoom (recorded).
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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GESS Science in Perspective (Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as GESS Science in Perspective. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses: Recommended for doctoral, master and bachelor students (after first-year examination only). Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again. These course units are also listed under "Type A", which basically means all students can enroll)
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Management, Technology and Economics Master (Welcome and Introduction to MSc ETH MTEC Montag, 14.09.2020, 14.00 h, HG E1.1 (tbc))