Math and computer science professor co-authors new textbook

GOSHEN, Ind. – A new book, titled "Models of Conflict and Cooperation," and co-authored by Goshen College Math and Computer Science Professor David Housman, has been recently published by the American Mathematical Society (AMS). According to the AMS website, the book is a "comprehensive, introductory game theory text for general undergraduate students." Housman wrote it with Rick Gillman, professor of mathematics and computer science at Valparaiso University.

Housman and Gillman met in the context of the Mathematical Association of America, a society of professional mathematicians in which Housman is now the governor of the Indiana section. The two discovered that they had both taught game theory classes and been dissatisfied with the available textbooks. They decided to share notes and write a book together.

"There's lots of different things people can look at in game theory," said Housman. "We're interested in the cooperative side as well as the strategic side, and there aren't many books out there that look at cooperative game theory at this level."

Each chapter of the book begins with a dialogue that introduces the topic, and the book is aimed at liberal arts undergraduates without extensive mathematics background.

"We like to take an active approach in our classes," said Housman, "in terms of trying to get students to play games or to analyze games. We wanted to help them build their quantitative literacy skills with the assumption that they're coming in with high school algebra."

"Models of Conflict and Cooperation" was published in the fall of 2009 and can be purchased at www.ams.org/bookstore.

– By Chase Snyder

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college's Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron's Best Buys in Education, "Colleges of Distinction," "Making a Difference College Guide" and U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition, which named Goshen a "least debt college." Visit www.goshen.edu.