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, Susan Skeath, and David H. Reiley Jr. 2009. Games of Strategy (3rd Edition). London: W.W. Norton and Co.
Examination
Short Assignments and Final Exam.
Tentamen: dinsdag 15 december 2009, 9.00-12.00 uur, USC
Hertentamen: dinsdag 19 januari 2010, 9.00-12.00 uur, SA41
Voor de tentamens dient men zich tot uiterlijk 10 dagen voor de tentamendatum via U-twist aan te melden.
Schedule
hoorcolleges
maandag 26 oktober t/m 7 december, 11.00-13.00 uur, SA41
woensdag 4 november t/m 9 december, 11.00-13.00 uur, SC01 (woensdag 28 oktober zaal SB45)
werkgroepen
Werkgroep 1: dinsdag 27 oktober t/m 8 december, 13.00-15.00 uur, 1A11
Werkgroep 2: dinsdag 27 oktober t/m 8 december, 13.00-15.00 uur, 1A12 (behalve 3 en 24 november 6C03)
Werkgroep 3: dinsdag 27 oktober t/m 8 december, 15.00-17.00 uur, 1A33
Werkgroep 4: dinsdag 27 oktober t/m 8 december, 15.00-17.00 uur, 5B04 (behalve 8 december 6C03)