15.040 Game Theory for Managers (MIT)
This half-term course examines the choices that we make which affect others and the choices others make that affect us. Such situations are known as "games" and game-playing, while sounding whimsical, is serious business. Managers frequently play "games" both within the firm and outside it – with competitors, customers, regulators, and even capital markets! The goal of this course is to enhance a student's ability to think strategically in complex, interactive environments. Knowl
6.895 Theory of Parallel Systems (SMA 5509) (MIT)
6.895 covers theoretical foundations of general-purpose parallel computing systems, from languages to architecture. The focus is on the algorithmic underpinnings of parallel systems. The topics for the class will vary depending on student interest, but will likely include multithreading, synchronization, race detection, load balancing, memory consistency, routing networks, message-routing algorithms, and VLSI layout theory. The class will emphasize randomized algorithms and probabilistic an
6.896 Theory of Parallel Hardware (SMA 5511) (MIT)
6.896 covers mathematical foundations of parallel hardware, from computer arithmetic to physical design, focusing on algorithmic underpinnings. Topics covered include: arithmetic circuits, parallel prefix, systolic arrays, retiming, clocking methodologies, boolean logic, sorting networks, interconnection networks, hypercubic networks, P-completeness, VLSI layout theory, reconfigurable wiring, fat-trees, and area-time complexity.
This course was also taught as part of the Singapore-MIT Allia
21L.451 Introduction to Literary Theory (MIT)
This subject focuses on the ways in which we read, providing an overview of some of the different strategies of reading, comprehending and engaging with literary texts developed in the twentieth century. The course is organized around specific theoretical paradigms. In each case our task will be, first, to work through the selected reading in order to see how it determines or defines the task of literary interpretation; second, to locate the limits of each particular approach; and finally, to tr
18.405J Advanced Complexity Theory (MIT)
The topics for this course cover various aspects of complexity theory, such as the basic time and space classes, the polynomial-time hierarchy and the randomized classes . This is a pure theory class, so no applications were involved.
18.781 Theory of Numbers (MIT)
This course provides an elementary introduction to number theory with no algebraic prerequisites. Topics include primes, congruences, quadratic reciprocity, diophantine equations, irrational numbers, continued fractions and elliptic curves.
21W.765J Interactive and Non-Linear Narrative: Theory and Practice (MIT)
This course explores the properties of non-linear, multi-linear, and interactive forms of narratives as they have evolved from print to digital media. Works covered in this course range from the Talmud, classics of non-linear novels, experimental literature, early sound and film experiments to recent multi-linear and interactive films and games. The study of the structural properties of narratives that experiment with digression, multiple points of view, disruptions of time, space, and of storyl
18.996A Simplicity Theory (MIT)
This is an advanced topics course in model theory whose main theme is simple theories. We treat simple theories in the framework of compact abstract theories, which is more general than that of first order theories. We cover the basic properties of independence (i.e., non-dividing) in simple theories, the characterization of simple theories by the existence of a notion of independence, and hyperimaginary canonical bases.
8.325 Relativistic Quantum Field Theory III (MIT)
This is the third and last term of the quantum field theory sequence. The course is devoted to the standard model of particle physics, including both its conceptual foundations and its specific structure, and to some current research frontiers that grow immediately out of it.
4.241J Theory of City Form (MIT)
Theories about cities and the form that settlements should take will be discussed. Attempts will be made at a distinction between descriptive and normative theory, by examining examples of various theories of city form over time. The class will concentrate on the origins of the modern city and theories about its emerging form, including the transformation of the nineteenth-century city and its organization. It analyzes current issues of city form in relation to city making, social structure, and
8.511 Theory of Solids I (MIT)
This is the first term of a theoretical treatment of the physics of solids. Topics covered include crystal structure and band theory, density functional theory, a survey of properties of metals and semiconductors, quantum Hall effect, phonons, electron phonon interaction and superconductivity.
17.428 American Foreign Policy: Theory and Method (MIT)
This course examines the causes and consequences of American foreign policy since 1898. Course readings cover both substantive and methods topics. Four substantive topics are covered:
major theories of American foreign policy;
major episodes in the history of American foreign policy and historical/interpretive controversies about them;
the evaluation of major past American foreign policies--were their results good or bad? and
current policy controversies, including means of evaluating proposed
18.315 Combinatorial Theory: Hyperplane Arrangements (MIT)
This is a graduate-level course in combinatorial theory. The content varies year to year, according to the interests of the instructor and the students. The topic of this course is hyperplane arrangements, including background material from the theory of posets and matroids.
18.338J Infinite Random Matrix Theory (MIT)
In this course on the mathematics of infinite random matrices, students will learn about the tools such as the Stieltjes transform and Free Probability used to characterize infinite random matrices.
18.704 Seminar in Algebra and Number Theory: Rational Points on Elliptic Curves (MIT)
This is a seminar for mathematics majors, where the students present the lectures. No prior experience giving lectures is necessary.
21M.675 Dance Theory and Composition (MIT)
This course introduces students to the art and formal ideologies of contemporary dance. We explore the aesthetic and technical underpinnings of contemporary dance composition. Basic compositional techniques are discussed and practiced, with an emphasis on principles such as weight, space, time, effort, and shape. Principles of musicality are considered and developed by each student. Working with each other as the raw material of the dance, students develop short compositions that reveal their un
14.454 Macroeconomic Theory IV (MIT)
This half-term course covers the macroeconomic implications of imperfections in labor markets, goods markets, credit and financial markets. The role of nominal rigidities is also an area of focus.
21A.750J Social Theory and Analysis (MIT)
This course presents a survey of social theory from the 19th century to the present. The focus is on (a) the social grounds from which the theory arises; (b) the utility and limitations of older theories for current conditions; (c) the creation of new theory out of contemporary conditions; (d) sciences and technologies as the infrastructures upon which social institutions depend, are shaped, and shape.
17.432 Causes of War: Theory and Method (MIT)
This course explores the causes of modern war with a focus on preventable causes. Course readings cover theoretical, historical, and methodological topics. Major theories of war are explored and assessed in the first few weeks of the class, asking at each stage "are these good theories?" and "how could they be tested?" Basic social scientific inference -- what are theories? What are good theories? How should theories be framed and tested? -- and case study methodology are also discussed. The sec
17.881 Game Theory and Political Theory (MIT)
Increasingly, political scientists are using game theory to analyze strategic interactions across many different settings. Each of the sub-fields, to differing degrees, has seen game theoretic concepts enter its vocabulary, and students entering the profession will need to understand the potential and limits of game theory. This course aims to give students an entry-level understanding of the basic concepts of game theory, and how these concepts have been applied to the study of political phenom
