STV4217B - Rational Choice Models and International Conflict
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Choose semester
Course content
The course introduces students to different types of rational choice (RC) models and to applications of RC models (particularly game-theoretical models) in the study of international conflict. You will learn game theory while at the same time enhancing your understanding and knowledge of specific topics in international conflict research.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The following topics are given particular attention:
- Nuclear deterrence
- The effectiveness of economic sanctions
- RC explanations of war
- RC explanations of terrorism
Skills
You will learn to:
- Construct and analyze game-theoretical models
- Read and understand scholarly work on international conflict that uses game theory
- Develop game-theoretical models for use in your master thesis.
Competences
You will:
- Increase your general analytical competence
- Enhance your ability to use game theory as part of a larger research project in political science.
- Develop your ability to critically assess political science work, both work that uses game theory and work that uses other approaches.
Admission
Students admitted to other Master programmes may be qualified to apply for the course. Please see the webpage on Admission to single master's courses.
For incoming students: All Master's courses in Political Science must be registered manually by the Department, they will not appear in Studentweb. Contact your international coordinator at UiO.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Political Science or equivalent.
Recommended previous knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Political Science or equivalent.
Teaching
10 lectures will be given. The lectures are held intensively for a period of 5 weeks, with the exam in the sixth week.
This course will be taught at the University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used. Fronter will normally be used.
The course is part of the regular course offerings at the Faculty of Social Science. Teaching is mainly held during the daytime. Detailed course-information is found on the Webpage for the current semester.
Examination
One or more written essay (10-15 pages in length), and a 3-hour written exam.
The number of essays to be handed in varies from semester to semester. The course convenor will inform the class of this in the beginning of the semester.
In order to receive a passing grade on the essay, your topic will have to reflect the course readings and curriculum. All chosen topics should be approved by the course instructor before the deadline. An essay topic not reflecting the curriculum, will receive a failing grade (F). Any taken home assignment or essay etc. handed in at the University of Oslo may be checked for plagiarism by use of the Ephorus text recognition software.
The final exam counts 60% of the grade, and in order to pass the course, your essay and your written exam must be passed in the same semester as the course is taught. You will receive one overall grade for the course.
The Faculty of Social Science is responsible for the exam(s), and exam(s) are/is normally held at the University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used.
Examination support material
Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination.
Language of examination
It is possible to submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Examination results are available in StudentWeb within three weeks after the examination-date, if no other information is given on the Webpage for the current semester.
Explanations and appeals
- Explanation of grades - deadline and processing time
- Appeal about grades
- Complaint about formal exam errors
Ask for explanation of your grade in this course
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
If you wish to withdraw from the exam you must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the deadline. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Evaluation
This course is evaluated half way through every semester and every four year the course undergoes a thorough evaluation.
An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course and he/she makes a written report every year.