PS5052: Mathematical Modeling in Political Science. FL09 (FL08). This course is designed to provide mathematical tools useful for the rest of the methods sequence, including courses in statistics, formal theory, or mathematical modeling. Throughout the course, the mathematical tools are motivated by applications to the general problem of how politics can be modeled for purposes of statistical analysis, deductive reasoning, or conceptual theorizing. This motivation is accomplished by means of a consistent focus on such processes as individual decision making, the representation of issues, statistical phenomena, and phenomena of change over time. The course assumes a sufficient background in elementary algebra, logic, functions, and graphs; remedial work in these areas will be offered through problem sets and meetings during the last week of summer. Mathematical topics covered include: sets and relations; probability and statistics; differential calculus and optimization; difference equations; and linear algebra. (Syllabus | Telesis)