Spring 2003, Tue/Thu 3:30-4:45, Economics 316

This section of Political Science 454, Theories of International Relations, will focus exclusively on theories motivated by the strategic perspective developed in Bruce Bueno de Mesquita's Principles of International Politics, 2nd Edition (Washington DC: CQ Press, 2002). Primary emphasis will be given to what are often called "rational choice" theories, including decision theory, expected utility theory and game theory. Other theoretical perspectives will be discussed as alternative approaches to the strategic perspective.

Two books, both from CQ Press, are required for the course. In addition to the main text, we will also make heavy use of a companion workbook containing additional exercises and applications.

Bruce Bueno de Mesquita. Principles of International Politics: Peoples' Power, Preferences, and Perceptions, 2nd Edition (Washington DC: CQ Press, 2002).

Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and D. Scott Bennett. Applying the Strategic Perspective: Problems and Models, 2d Edition (Washington DC: CQ Press, 2002).

Prerequisites

As with all upper division courses, POL 201 and POL 202 are prerequisites for POL 454. Because this course will be much more technical than other Political Science courses, students are assumed to be familiar with principles of basic algebra and deductive logic.