Game Theory and Literature [Jeff Encke]
Game theory – more precisely, the study of strategic decision-making – has found a permanent home in economics, politics, computer science, and even biology. But does it have a place in literature? This course will explore how the strategic decisions literary characters make, reject, overlook, or ignore shape the meaning and dramatic impact of a story. Readings will include Shakespeare’s King Lear, Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and selections from Michael Chwe’s Jane Austen, Game Theorist. Students will get the chance to construct and workshop their own strategic scenarios.