Instructor: Kenneth Maples
Office hours: Class finished.
Course objectives: I would be delighted if you could do the following by the end of the course.
Topics: Zero-sum games, general-sum games, Nash equilibria, nim, impartial games, partizan games, surreal numbers, thermography, simplicity.
Class: MTuW 1:00–2:50 PM MS 5127 (in the long corridor with glass doors on each end, which empties into the breezeway)
Section: Th 1:00–2:50 PM MS 5127 with Justin Palumbo.
Prerequisite: Linear algebra with proofs. We will spend some time developing proof skills.
The first part of the course, on strategic games, will not have a textbook. I will supply lecture notes to accompany class. For the second part, on partizan games, we will use the wonderful On Numbers and Games by John H. Conway.
I will occasionally assign readings in the text. Please do them. The best way to learn the material is through repeated exposure, and since we don't have much time in the summer you'll need as many chances as you can get. Think up questions while you are reading, try to answer them yourself, and then ask in class.
Homework: There will be homework due roughly once per week, depending on our exam schedule and how far we've gotten. Homework will be posted online. You may work on homework in groups, but please write up your solutions by yourself.
In class work: I expect students to participate in class, ask questions, and work on assigned problems. We will occasionally have class work to be turned in; I will announce these ahead of time. There will be no surprise quizzes.
Grading scheme:
If you require disability-related accommodations please come talk to me as soon as possible.