"Both luck and skill enable you to overcome difficulties. Nevertheless, he who relies least on luck has the best prospect of success." --Machiavelli, The Prince
Life is full of decisions, dilemmas, and opportunities. By thinking strategically, we can increase our chances for success in a complex world. In this seminar, students will learn and practice strategic thinking. Drawing on the wisdom of Machiavelli and others, we will learn and apply the techniques of game theory in order to be able to understand (and manage) complex situations. Students will then apply these ideas to "real world" situations in college such as which movie to watch, planning a trip to DC, or which romantic interest to pursue. A variety of games and simulations will help us explore and develop strategic thinking—both as individuals and as members of teams. By both thinking and doing, students will learn that the art of politics is both practical and fun.