# Schedule (Subject to Change)
Game theory is a mathematical framework to study interactions between multiple strategic agents, where agents view these interactions as "games" they are trying to "win". Mechanism design studies the design of such interactions so as to obtain socially desirable outcomes. Machine learning deals with growing experience by playing games. In this class, we introduce these topics and connect them through the lens of a computer scientist. This class is primarily targeted towards advanced undergraduate and early graduate students with a strong background in mathematics and algorithms.
| Week |
Date |
Topics |
Notes |
| 1 |
Jan 20 |
Introduction |
Link |
| 2 |
Jan 25, Jan 27 |
Normal-Form Games, Rationalizability, Nash Equilibria |
Link |
| 3 |
Feb 1, Feb 3 |
Zero-Sum Games, Potential Games, Best Response Dynamics |
Link |
| 4 |
Feb 8, Feb 10 |
Routing Games, Correlated Equilibria, Linear Programming and Minimax Theorem |
Link |
| 5 |
Feb 15, Feb 17 |
Extension-Form Games, Subgame Perfect Equilibria, Repeated Games |
Link |
| 6 |
Feb 22, Feb 24 |
Markov Games, Markov Perfect Equilibria, Minimax Q Algorithm |
Link |
| 7 |
Mar 1, Mar 3 |
Adversarial Bandits, No Regret Dynamics, Swap Regret |
Link |
| 8 |
Mar 8, Mar 10 |
Bayesian Games, Bayesian Nash Equilibria, Signaling Games |
Link |
| 9 |
Mar 15, Mar 17 |
Incentive Compatibility, Revelation Principle, Adverse Selection and Moral Harzard |
Link |
| 10 |
Mar 22, Mar 24 |
- |
Link |
| 11 |
Mar 29, Mar 31 |
Optimal Auctions, Vickrey-Clarke-Groves Mechanism, Revenue Equivalence |
Link |
| 12 |
Apr 5, Apr 7 |
Combinatorial Auctions, Social Choice and Voting, Impossibility Theorems |
Link |
| 13 |
Apr 12, Apr 14 |
Stable Matching, Gale-Shapley Algorithm, Top Trading Cycle Algorithm |
Link |
| 14 |
Apr 19, Apr 21 |
Bayesian Persuasion, Information Design, Higher Order Beliefs |
Link |
| 15 |
Apr 26, Apr 28 |
Nash Bargaining, Core and Pareto Optimality, Sharpley Value |
Link |
📗 The lectures will be in-person and recorded on Zoom.
📗 Textbooks: Game Theory, Alive:
Link, Algorithmic Game Theory:
Link, Tim Roughgarden's Lecture Note:
Link.
# Grading Scheme (Subject to Change)
| Component |
Frequency |
Number |
Points Each |
Total |
| (Q) Quizzes |
Weekly |
15 |
4 |
60 |
| (X) Exams |
Two |
2 |
20 |
40 |
OR
| Component |
Frequency |
Number |
Points Each |
Total |
| (G) Games |
Every Lecture |
30 |
2 (possibly 2.5) |
60 |
| (X) Exams |
Two |
2 |
20 |
40 |
📗 The weekly quizzes can be scheduled with CBEF testing center and will contain questions similar to the homework questions.
📗 The games must be completed during the lectures, and can be used to replace the quiz for that week. Your game scores will be converted to points based on ranking: 2.5 if top 20%; 2 if next 20%; 1.5 if next 20%; 1 if next 20%; 0.5 if bottom 20%; 0 if no submission or submission without notes.
📗 Exams will be taken in person on paper scheduled by the department (not CBEF) and will contain new questions (all questions will require mathematical proofs).
| From |
To |
Letter Grade |
| 91 |
100 |
A |
| 86 |
90 |
AB |
| 81 |
85 |
B |
| 76 |
80 |
BC |
| 71 |
75 |
C |
| 61 |
70 |
D |
📗 There will be no curves or adjustments to the final grades.
# CBEF Testing Information
This course will use the Computer-Based Evaluation Facility (CBEF) for quizzes and exams. Throughout the semester, you will receive detailed instructions for scheduling your assessment time.
Please note that final examinations will not be administered through the CBEF. Final exams will follow the university's official final examination schedule and applicable policies.
# Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
In alignment with UW-Madison's practices, faculty and students share responsibility in the accommodation process. Students are expected to inform faculty of their need for instructional accommodations during the beginning of the semester, or as soon as possible after being approved for accommodations. Faculty will work with the student to provide reasonable instructional and course-related accommodations.
# Course Websites and Forms
📗 This webpage (for lecture notes and games).
📗 Canvas (for grades):
Link.
📗 Piazza (for discussion):
Link.
📗 Professor Jerry Zhu:
2025.
📗 Professor Kirthevasan Kandasamy:
2026,
2024.
Last Updated: November 06, 2026 at 1:51 AM