Algorithmic Game Theory

Catalog description

This course examines topics in game theory and mechanism design from a computer scientist's perspective. Through the lens of computation, the focus is the design and analysis of systems utilized by self-interested agents. Students will investigate how the potential for strategic agent behavior can/should influence system design, and the ramifications of conflicts of interest between system designers and participating agents. Emphasis on computational tractability is paramount, so that simple designs are often preferred to optimal. Students will learn to analyze competing designs using the tools of theoretical computer science, and empirical tools, such as empirical game-theoretic analysis. Application areas include computational advertising, wireless spectrum, and prediction markets.