Welcome to Game Theory Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course offers a rigorous and insightful introduction to game theory, designed for beginners with an interest in strategic decision-making. Over six modules spanning approximately six weeks, learners will explore foundational concepts such as Nash equilibrium, dominant strategies, and backward induction. Each module combines clear theoretical explanations with hands-on applications, requiring roughly 4–6 hours per week. The course concludes with a practical case study project, allowing learners to apply game-theoretic reasoning to real-world scenarios in economics, business, and social interactions. Lifetime access ensures flexible, self-paced learning.
Module 1: Introduction to Game Theory
Estimated time: 5 hours
- Players, strategies, and payoffs
- Rationality assumptions in strategic decision-making
- Basic structure of games
- Constructing simple game models
Module 2: Dominant Strategies & Nash Equilibrium
Estimated time: 5 hours
- Dominant and dominated strategies
- Pure strategy Nash equilibria
- Strategic stability in static games
- Analyzing strategic interactions using equilibrium concepts
Module 3: Extensive Form & Backward Induction
Estimated time: 5 hours
- Game trees and sequential moves
- Modeling multi-stage games
- Backward induction method
- Subgame perfection and credibility
Module 4: Mixed Strategies
Estimated time: 5 hours
- Randomization in strategic choices
- Probability in decision-making
- Mixed strategy Nash equilibria
- Solving games without pure strategy solutions
Module 5: Repeated Games & Reputation
Estimated time: 5 hours
- Finite and infinite horizon games
- Cooperation in long-term interactions
- Tit-for-tat and other repeated game strategies
- Reputation and strategic behavior over time
Module 6: Applications of Game Theory
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Case study: Auctions and bidding strategies
- Analysis of voting systems
- Oligopoly pricing and business negotiations
- Introduction to evolutionary game theory
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with basic algebra and mathematical reasoning
- Basic understanding of probability concepts
- No prior knowledge of game theory required
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Analyze strategic situations using game-theoretic models
- Identify Nash equilibria in static and dynamic games
- Apply backward induction to sequential decision problems
- Evaluate cooperation and competition in repeated interactions
- Solve real-world problems in economics, business, and policy using game theory