Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit deals with the formal analysis of collective and individual decision making in situations where there are conflicts of interest. These situations include those where individuals have different preferences over outcomes and have to make a collective decision, war and other struggles between states or groups, competition between political parties, and struggles for power.
The unit falls into two sections which emphasise different aspects of the theory of choice and political behaviour. The first section deals with the collective, or social, choice problem. This is the problem of aggregating the preferences of a large number of individuals into a single collective choice or decision. This problem is familiar through the analysis of party competition and elections. The unit takes an abstract approach to the analysis of collective choice. It does not deal with any particular election or political system. Instead, it asks—Is it possible to make a collective choice that respects certain desirable characteristics such individuals' preferences? Can collective choice maximise welfare? Under what conditions could collective choice give a stable outcome? The second section deals with the problem of conflicts between individuals or groups and states, thought of as individual decision makers or players. In these cases the players have to answer questions like—Is it better to cooperate or go to war? When are threats credible? Why do we need governments and authority structures and laws? Why don't people act for the common good?
- Credit
- 6 points
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) communicate an understanding of the contribution of social choice and game theory to political science; (2) explain, and engage critically with, the theoretical and formal foundations of social choice and game theory; (3) use the tools of game theory and choice theory to understand specific problems; (4) apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems such as conflicts between nations and collective goods problems; (5) demonstrate an ability to construct an analysis which abstracts from particular and unique events; (6) communicate, in a coherent and logical manner in both written and oral forms, the abstract knowledge acquired and its applications in independent analysis; (7) work collaboratively on substantial research or analytical tasks as a member of a small group, providing and assimilating critical commentary; (8) demonstrate research skills appropriate for locating, assessing and making sophisticated use of relevant sources of information; (9) demonstrate advanced skills of problem analysis and critical reasoning, strongly informed by relevant theory; and (10) undertake independent, enquiry-based learning and research which reflects advanced knowledge of the subfield.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) analytical exercises (best 2 of 3); (2) research essay; and (3) two-hour end-of-semester examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- any Level 2 Political Science and International Relations unit
- Incompatibility
- POLS2215 Social Choice and Game Theory
- Contact hours
- lectures: 20 hrs
tutorials: 9 hrs
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.