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The Science of Strategy LLC

Why is the smartest move in a video game sometimes not to fight? Why do many social media content creators farm outrage instead of aura? Why can two people who are into each other both end up waiting for the other to text first? And why does conflict break out between countries when both would benefit from peace? Game theory—the study of strategy, conflict, and cooperation—examines these and many other questions.

Intro

Why is the smartest move in a video game sometimes not to fight? Why do many social media content creators farm outrage instead of aura? Why can two people who are into each other both end up waiting for the other to text first? And why does conflict break out between countries when both would benefit from peace? Game theory—the study of strategy, conflict, and cooperation—examines these and many other questions.

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Though ideal for students interested in business, social sciences, or mathematical reasoning, Game Theory has broad applications that reach across fields as varied as philosophy, biology, and machine learning. It tackles everyday social dilemmas, like why no roommate will do the dishes, and major global challenges, like why countries struggle to cooperate on climate change. In this LLC, students will learn the fundamentals of reading, creating, and applying game-theoretic models to better understand the choices people make.

Living

Students in this LLC live in Oak Ridge Hall.

Learning

Students in the LLC will take ECON 222: Game Theory together. The course introduces the study of strategic decision-making, including zero-sum and non-zero-sum games, Nash equilibrium, bargaining, repeated games, and the conditions under which cooperation emerges. Students will learn to model and analyze strategic interactions and apply game theory to real-world problems.

Programs and Events

LLC students will participate in three strategy game nights, a movie night, and a guest presentation from a professional working in negotiations. As the course’s culminating experience, students will form groups and compete in the famous Axelrod style Prisoner’s Dilemma Tournament with incarcerated UWEC students at the Stanley Correctional Institution.*

*Subject to institutional approval and access

How to Join

Choose your Living Learning Community preference on the housing application in the housing portal. The housing portal is all your housing information in one place.

If you are in a roommate group, make sure your roommate(s) indicate the same LLC preferences on their housing application. Otherwise, you will not be placed in the LLC.