Network analysis is an increasingly important methodological tool as the Internet, in general, and social media, in particular, become more central to political, economic, and social life. This course covers the theory and practice of network analysis with a focus on online networks, particularly social media.
Athena Title
Analyzing Social Networks
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every even-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will learn to think in a more nuanced and scientific way about social behavior.
Students will demonstrate a proficiency in identifying, locating, and evaluating scholarly social science literature and use them to responsibly formulate new theories and hypotheses.
Students will develop competency with the collection, management, and analysis of network data.
Students will gain proficiency in the use of network analysis software.
Students will develop and execute an original research design employing network theory and network analysis.
Topical Outline
Unit 1: Introductory Content
-Week 1: Research Design
-Week 2: Network Theory
Unit 2: Network Analysis
-Week 3: Conceptualizing and Measuring Network Ties
-Weeks 4 and 5: Data Structures in Network Analysis
Unit 3: Applied Network Analysis
-Week 5: Hyperlink Network Analysis
-Weeks 6 and 7: Analyzing networks in social media.
-Week 8: Network data visualization and presentation
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
