VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Introduction to Game Theory: Strategic and Cooperative Thinking
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:23:42
Abstract
The goal of the lecture is to learn how to think strategically and cooperatively and to apply the concepts of game theory to economic, social, political, and business situations. The course covers:Noncooperative and Cooperative Game Theory, concepts and applications.
Objective
The goal of the lecture is to learn how to think strategically or cooperatively and to apply the concepts of game theory to economic, social, political, and business situations. Students will gain competence in a variety of standard game-theoretic concepts. They will also become familiar with the ways in which these concepts are applied in Economics and related disciplines.
Content
Part 1: Strategic Thinking (Noncooperative Game Theory) Thinking in static and dynamic games with complete and incomplete information Part 2: Cooperative Thinking (Cooperative Game Theory) Thinking in repeated and cooperative games. The purpose of the course is to provide an introduction to both cooperative and non-cooperative game theory. The course will start from scratch with the most basic game-theoretic concepts, such as weak and strict dominance, or Nash equilibrium. Progress will be rather swift, however, and the course will cover more advanced concepts such as signaling games and Bayesian equilibrium. Additional topics will be added if time permits. Students will gain an understanding of the broad relevance and applicability of game theory in Economics and related disciplines. Instruction will take several forms such as lectures, exercises, and experiencing some of the games discussed in the lectures.
Resources
Lecture Notes
For inquiries and questions regarding the course organization please send an email to the lecturer, Dr. Fikri Pitsuwan ([email protected]), or the teaching assistant, Giovanni Valvassori Bolgè ([email protected]).
Literature
- Tadelis (2012). Game Theory: An Introduction. Princeton University Press - Osborne (2003). An Introduction to Game Theory. Oxford University Press - Gibbons (1992). Game Theory for Applied Economists. Princeton University Press - Watson (2002). Strategy: An Introduction in Game Theory. W.W. Norton & Company More Technical: - Osborne and Rubinstein (1994). A Course in Game Theory. MIT Press - Fudenberg and Tirole (1991). Game Theory. MIT Press - Myerson (1992). Game Theory: Analysis of Conflict. Harvard University Press - Mas-Collel et al. (1995). Microeconomic Theory. Oxford University Press Non-technical: - Dixit and Nalebuff (2010). The Art of Strategy. W.W. Norton & Company - Davis (1997). Game Theory: A Nontechnical Introduction. Dover Publications - Schelling (1980). The Strategy of Conflict. Harvard University Press. - Axelrod (1984). The Evolution of Cooperation. Basic Books.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- nothing, only pen, pencil and eraser allowed.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Introduction to Game Theory: Strategic and Cooperative Thinking |
|
2 h weekly |