Game Theory & Network Science for Curious Minds

Course Description

The "Game Theory & Network Science for Curious Minds" mini course invites curious students to step into the world of strategic decision-making and explore how networks shape our lives. Over one engaging week, students will embark on a journey that blends real-life problem-solving with interactive activities. They will learn how game theory—the study of strategic interaction—and network science—the study of interconnected systems—can help us understand and navigate everyday challenges.
The objectives of the course are to:
1. Introduce students to the fundamental principles of Game Theory and Network Science.
2. Enable them to understand the impact of networks on their daily interactions, such as social media, friendships, and success.
3. Encourage them to think critically about real-world problems and discover how mathematical concepts can be applied to make strategic decisions.
4. Promote creativity and teamwork through games, activities, and discussions.
The course consists of five interactive sessions, each focusing on a core concept from Game Theory or Network Science. These sessions will be dynamic, incorporating real-life examples, games, and activities to keep students engaged.
The course will begin with an introduction to Game Theory and Network Science. Concepts like best response, dominant strategy, and reasoning about strategies will be explored through games such as rock-paper-scissors and the prisoner’s dilemma. Evolutionary game theory will also be discussed, providing insights into how new species, ideas, or technologies can overtake already dominant ones.
Students will then delve into the basics of network science, learning how to map real-world phenomena using graphs. They will explore the importance of weak and strong ties in networks and understand how these ties influence phenomena such as the cascade of information in connectivity networks. The course also covers an interesting topic of ""Six Degrees of Separation"". Students will be surprised to see that they might be connected to their favorite idols through just a few intermediaries.
Another fascinating topic covered in this mini course is epidemic modeling. Students will learn a simplified version of epidemic models and explore how diseases spread through networks.
Finally, students will gain insight into voting mechanisms. Through mini-games, they will observe how individual and group preferences can influence voting outcomes.
By the end of the program, students will have a foundational understanding of strategic thinking and network interactions. They will learn to recognize patterns that influence social interactions, viral content, and decision-making—skills that are valuable not only in mathematics but also in navigating the complexities of everyday life. By fostering an engaging environment for discovery, this course will encourage critical thinking and creativity, empowering students to apply these concepts beyond the classroom.