This is an introduction to noncooperative game theory.

After completing this class the students will have the ability to

• recognize strategic problems
• model those strategic problems as games
• analyze these games using the methods and tools of noncooperative game theory
• find the equilibria of these games and interpret those equilibria in terms of positive and normative game theory
• formulate a concise assessment of the strategic problem and its possible solution in game-theoretic terms
• translate these terms into policy recommendations for efficient ways of handling or even solving the underlying strategic problem

The attendance requirement is met, if a student is present at least 80%. Therefore, students are allowed to be absent for up to 4.5 h, corresponding to 1.5 units.

This course is taught as lectures combined with exercises and in-class experiments. Lectures provide the core information of the topics while exercises help students to consolidate their knowledge and understanding. The experiments transform the abstract concepts and the intricacies of strategic decision-making into a hands-on experience. The solutions to exercise problems will be presented by students on a voluntary basis and discussed in class.

• 45% midterm exam
• 45% final exam
• 10% active participation

(Only for students who are enrolled in the "old" MSc Economics curriculum of 2018 (workload 6 ECTS): 35% midterm exam, 35% final exam, 20% term paper, 10% active participation.)

There are no retake exams.

0% - 49.9%: failed (5), 50% - 62.4%: sufficient (4), 62.5% - 74.9%: satisfactory (3), 75% - 87.4%: good (2), 87.5% - 100%: excellent (1)

anytime: ulrich.berger@wu.ac.at

sometimes: 01/31336-4562