Applies the basic models of social choice theory and game
theory to the study of political institutions. Models of
legislative, executive, and judicial structures are covered.
Other institutions studied may include groups, parties, and the
media.
Athena Title
Social Choice and Institutions
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will learn about theories of individual and collective choice.
Students will examine the presence and effects of strategic actions as collective choices are made.
Students will apply those theories of choice and the tools and techniques discussed in class to current political circumstances and political institutions.
Students will learn to apply formal models to their analysis of legislative, executive, judicial, and bureaucratic institutions.
Students will develop deductive reasoning and basic mathematical modeling, which will enhance their abilities to craft testable hypotheses.
Topical Outline
Gibbard and Arrow's Theorems
Black's Median Voter Theorem (BMVT)
BMVT applied to
Legislative Bodies - Committee Structures - Strategic Voting
Executive-Legislative Relations - e.g., Veto Bargaining
Courts - Strategic v. Legal Rationales for Judicial Behaviors
Court-Legislative Relations
Bureaucracies
Bureaucratic-Congressional Relations
Bureaucratic-Congressional-Court Relations
Other Institutions - Groups, Parties, Media
Policy Implications drawn from Formal Models of Institutions
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
