Description
The aim of this course is to expose students to the fundamentals of rational choice theory and its application in political science. Political scholars commonly employ a rational choice approach to analyse such things as voting behaviour, party policy positions, coalition formation, and cooperation and conflict between political actors. Completion of this course will provide students with the knowledge necessary to view the political world from a rational choice perspective.
The course will begin by covering the main tenets and assumptions of rational choice theory. Subsequent topics will include an introduction to the basics of spatial modelling, social choice theory, game theory, and collective action. We will also devote time to discussing the most common criticisms of rational choice theory. Short assignments in the working groups will provide students with a better grasp of the course material.
Methods of Instruction
Lecture and Working Groups
Study Material
Literature (approx. 700 pp.)
Shepsle, Kenneth A., and Mark S. Bonchek. 1996. Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior, and Institutions. London: W.W. Norton and Co.
Dixit, Avinash K., and Susan Skeath. 2004. Games of Strategy (Second Edition). London: W.W. Norton and Co.
Examination
Final Exam.
Time table
Hoorcolleges
woensdag 29 oktober t/m 10 december, 11.00 – 13.00 uur, HAV2(behalve 29/10 Gorl. 03)
vrijdag 31 oktober t/m 14 december, 11.00 – 13.00 uur, SA41 (behalve 21/11 geen zaal)
Werkgroepen
Werkgroep 1: donderdag 30 oktober t/m 11 december, 9.00 – 11.00 uur, 5A29
Werkgroep 2: donderdag 30 oktober t/m 11 december, 11.00 – 13.00 uur, Ch06
Werkgroep 3: donderdag 30 oktober t/m 11 december, 15.00 – 17.00 uur, Ch07
Werkgroep 4: donderdag 30 oktober t/m 11 december, 15.00 – 17.00 uur, Ch03