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.
Methods of Instruction
Lecture/Discussion of Problem Sets
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 (Third Edition). London: W.W. Norton and Co.
Dixit, Avinash, Susan Skeath, and David H. Reiley Jr. 2009. Games of Strategy (3rd Edition). London: W.W. Norton and Co.
Examination
exam: Tuesday 15 December from 18.00-21.00
retake: Tuesday January 19th from 18.00-21.00
Voor de tentamens dient men zich tot uiterlijk 10 dagen voor de tentamendatum via U-twist aan te melden
Schedule (Onder voorbehoud)
Tuesday 27 October from 18.00-19.45
Tuesday 3 November from 18.00-19.45
Saturday 7 November from 10.00-12.00
Tuesday 10 November from 18.00-19.45
Tuesday 17 November from 18.00-19.45
Saturday 21 November from 10.00-12.00 and 13.00-15.00
Tuesday 24 November from 18.00-19.45
Tuesday 1 December from 18.00-19.45
Tuesday 8 December from 18.00-19.45
Inschrijving
Inschrijving via U-twist voor 24 augustus 2009 voor 16.00 uur