OVERVIEW

The course aims to introduce students to the theoretical foundations of Game Theory, with particular focus on strategic interactions between agents. The extensive and strategic forms of games will be analyzed, covering both cooperative and non-cooperative theory, as well as models of matching and bargaining. The goal is to provide students with analytical tools useful for explaining, predicting, and guiding rational behavior in various economic and social contexts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of the main models and solutions used in game theory. Capability to model real situations with these formal tools. Critical analysis of the assumptions of the theory and of its limits of applicability.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The object of the course is to give to students a deep understanding of tools in Game Theory

The course aims to provide students with the basic tools of the theory of interacting rational decision-makers to analyze and solve simple, both theoretical and applied, problems in the fields of economics, business management, and finance, using game theory techniques.

By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze simple interactive decision problems, with particular focus on economic issues, management, international relations, and negotiation contexts.

By the end of the course, students will know the specific tools of strategic analysis to understand economic phenomena. They will be encouraged to solve both standard and non-standard exercises and problems, thereby developing critical skills in analyzing economic, managerial, and financial issues.

Students will be encouraged to develop communication skills through the presentation of solutions to exercises and active participation in class discussions.

Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their ability to model and solve simple economic, managerial, and financial problems. This will have a significant positive impact on the analysis of more complex situations.

PREREQUISITES

Linear algebra. Basic knowledge of single-variable and two-variable calculus. Elementary knowledge of probability theory.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures are delivered face-to-face with classroom discussions on the topics covered. Students with certified learning disabilities (DSA), disabilities, or other special educational needs are advised to contact the instructors at the beginning of the course to arrange teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the learning objectives, take into account individual learning needs and provide appropriate compensatory tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Matching Theory

• Dichotomic and trichotomic Games

• Nash Equilibrium

• Extensive Form Games

• Zero-Sum Games

• Potential Games

• Price of Anarchy and Stability

• Cooperative Games

• Bargaining Theory

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Reference textbook:

• Anna R. Karlin and Yuval Peres (2016). Game Theory Alive, American Mathematical Society.

• Materials provided by the instructors

Other recommended textbooks:

• Michael Maschler, Eilon Solan, and Shmuel Zamir, Game Theory, Cambridge University Press (2013).

• Martin J. Osborne, An Introduction to Game Theory, Oxford University Press (2003).

• Levent Kockesen and Efe A. Ok, An Introduction to Game Theory (2007).

• Joel Watson, Strategy: An Introduction to Game Theory, 3rd Edition, W. W. Norton & Company (2013).

• Ein-Ya Gura and Michael Maschler, Insights into Game Theory, Cambridge University Press (2008).

• Noam Nisan, Tim Roughgarden, Eva Tardos, Vijay V. Vazirani, Algorithmic Game Theory, Cambridge University Press (2007).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/8734/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

There are two examination options: the first consists of two midterm tests that involve the application of the concepts introduced during the course. The final grade is calculated as the average of the two midterms (provided both are passed).

Alternatively, a written exam covering the entire course content is held during the official exam sessions.

Students with certification for specific learning disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are advised to contact the instructors at the beginning of the course in order to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the learning objectives, take into account individual learning styles and provide appropriate compensatory measures.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exercises are intended to assess whether the student has acquired sufficient critical capacity and independent reasoning skills in game theory. They consist of exercises and theoretical questions that require understanding and application of the concepts learned.

Students with certification for specific learning disorder, disabilities, or other special educational needs are encouraged to contact the instructors at the beginning of the course to arrange teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning styles and provide appropriate compensatory tools.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please contact the teachers for information not contained in the teaching description.