Topic: Modeling Politics

Appropriate for First Year students.

TimeDaysLocationInstructorGERCreditOPUS Class NumberSyllabus (Tentative)
10:00am-11:15am
TuTh
Tarbutton Hall 116
Brown, Courtney. FSEM. 43409 TBA.

August 29, 2012- December 11, 2012

Prerequisites: Concurrently enrolled in Math 111 (Calculus I) or have received a score of 4 or 5 on either the Calculus AB or BC Advanced Placement exams. For first year students only

Catalog Description: For first-year students only. Entry level seminar focusing on a specific topic. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

Semester Details:

This freshman seminar is an introduction to the three most important approaches to mathematical modeling in political science: (1) statistical modeling, (2) systems modeling, and (3) rational choice / game theory modeling. This introductory treatment is the best way to become familiar with these approaches to political science research, and this seminar is perfect for those who may be thinking about pursuing the "very cool" joint major in political science and mathematics. The only prerequisite for this course is that a student either must be concurrently enrolled in Math 111 (Calculus I) or have received a score of 4 or 5 on either the Calculus AB or BC Advanced Placement exams. Students are encouraged to work together, and class grades are based on regular assignments and attendance. There are no tests.

Check out the syllabus at: http://www.courtneybrown.com/classes/ModelingPolitics/ModelingPoliticsSyllabus.html


Required Textbooks, Articles, and Resources

  1. Brown, Courtney. 2007. Differential Equations: A Modeling Approach.
    ISBN: 9781412941082.
    Sage Publications.
  2. Brown, Courtney. 2007. Graph Algebra: Mathematical Modeling with a Systems Approach.
    ISBN: 9781412941099.
    Sage Publications.
  3. Davis, Morton. 1997. Game Theory: A Nontechnical Introduction.
    ISBN: 9780486296722.
    Dover Press.
  4. Lewis-Beck, Michael. 1980. Applied Regression: An Introduction.
    ISBN: 9780803914940.
    Sage Publications.

Grading

Assignment/ExamDetails% of Total Grade
Writing Assignments and Oral PresentationsNA90%
AttendanceNA10%

The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.