Formal Theory is a vibrant field in the OSU Political Science Department, growing both in size and in breadth of applications. It emphasizes the use of mathematics in constructing theories of political phenomena.
Faculty
William Minozzi, Daniel Verdier, and Jack Wright.
Courses
Models of Politics
Mathematical Theories of Politics
Game Theory in International Relations
Research in Mathematical Political Science
Additionally, several substantive courses are often taught from a formal theory perspective, including the Presidency, Legislative Politics, Voting Behavior, and Comparative Political Parties.
There are also several excellent related courses in game theory and other relevant topics in the OSU Departments of Economics and Mathematics.
Graduate students can take Formal Theory as a course-out minor.