Course Description
An introduction to network analysis and methods in international affairs.
Athena Title
Networks in Intl Affairs
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Our globalized world rarely involves unconnected actors. Instead, the world is full of interconnected actors working in multiple “networks” of influence. This course will provide an overview of network theory and methods in international affairs. At the end of the course, students will be able to use social network analysis to aid in decision-making. Although the focus is on data analytics, no background in statistics is expect or required. The course will provide an overview of multiple data software tools to help work with existing datasets and/or create new data for the policy community. Whenever possible, students will also hear from policy professionals about their experiences with data in their careers. At the end of the course, students will be able to claim a working knowledge of R, Stata, and UCINET for social network analysis.
Topical Outline
Introduction to network analysis What’s a node and a tie? How networks help us understand international relations – conflict How networks help us understand international relations – economy How networks help us understand international relations – advocacy How networks help us understand international relations – terrorism Working with data in UCINET Pictures! Working with data in Stata (Harry Potter Day) Videos! Working with data in R Creating your own Network Networks from Archives Research Presentations