STV2217B – Rational Choice Models and International Conflict
Course description
Course content
The course offers an introduction to different types of rational choice (RC) models and introduces the students to potential applications of such models in the study of international conflict. Particular emphasis is placed on credibility aspects related to the use of threats in international politics. Topics that are being covered include:
- Conditions for a threat to be effective
- Techniques for enhancing a threat’s credibility
- Nuclear deterrence
- Economic sanctions
- RC explanations of war
- RC explanations of terrorism
Learning outcome
Knowledge
-
can describe the logics of rational choice models
-
can apply game-theory logic to address questions in international politics
Skills
- Extract the underlying logic of game-theoretical models
- Read and understand scholarly work on international conflict that uses game theory
Competences
- Increased your general analytical competence
- Enhanced your ability to use game theoretic logic in your own work
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Advanced student in a Bachelor program in political science or equivalent and have taken an introduction to international politics course, such as STV1200.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with STV4217B – Rational Choice and International Conflict
Teaching
Examination
4 hour exam
Digital examination
The written examination is conducted in the digital examination system Inspera. You will need to familiarize yourself with the digital examination arrangements in Inspera.
Read more about written examinations using Inspera.
Language of examination
You may write your examination paper 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.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
The course is only offered this semester.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.