Pre-College Instructor, Game Theory: A Course in Mathematical Economics (On-Campus), Summer 2024

Company Description

Columbia University's Pre-College Programs offer high-achieving high school students the opportunity to engage in exploratory coursework at the college level, studying alongside peers from around the world. This highly selective program is open to students entering grades 9-12 and freshman year of college.

Job Description

Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for High School Students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus (i.e., in person) courses during Summer ’24. 

Please Note: Course(s) and course availability is subject to change. Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change. 

Sessions:

• Summer A: June 24th - July 12th (Classes do not meet on July 4th)
• Summer B: July 16th - August 2nd

Class Times: 

• 9:10-11am & 1:10-3pm OR
• 11:10am-1pm & 3:10-5pm

Course description:

Game theory is the science of strategy. Within this ever-evolving field, practitioners are responsible for working through economic concepts that depend on rationality, as well as choice and uncertainty. Specifically, those working in this field help with optimal decision making between an independent agent and competing actors. The result of this work can take many forms, including when (and if) to launch a product and how to price it, or when to be cooperative in a negotiation (or not), or even whether to confess to a crime (or not). Throughout the course, students will study the works of key pioneers in Game Theory, as well as synthesize and triangulate readings to topics in economics, business, political science, and project management. Students will be expected to apply learnings to solving work complex probability sets and analyze decision-maker payoffs.

By the end of the course, students will have a new appreciation for how Game Theory directly impacts - and influences - major decisions. Additionally, they will be able to work through choices and outcomes better in their own lives. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Explain why we need game theory to understand social problems.
• Identify game theory applications within the world we live in. 
• Discuss the relationship between individual play versus desirable outcomes for all. 
• Calculate payoffs within games using rationality, equilibrium, and evolution.

Responsibilities:

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work
• Lead and attend all in-person class sessions
• Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population
• Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends
• Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (you will have around 20-24 students)
• Attend and complete all required online trainings

Qualifications

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Additional Information

Hiring Salary Ranges: 

• Summer A on-campus: $6,150 - $7,850
• Summer B on-campus: $6,150 - $7,850

Please specify which session(s) you would be interested in teaching.  

• Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)
• Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching
• Applicants may not hold a concurrent appointment with Columbia for the duration of their appointment
• Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program

For more information on the program, hiring process, and class schedules, please see here.    

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.