Aims and Fit of Module

With the development of digital media technologies, social media and social networking sites have become ever more important, mediating the economic, social and cultural aspects of everyday life. This module introduces students to the approach and methodology of social network analysis, the most prominent form of structural sociology.
Social network analysis involves theorising, model building and empirical research focused on uncovering the patterning of links among actors. Students will learn how to prepare data and map and interpret these relationships to understand how people communicate and exchange information through new media.

Learning outcomes

A. Identify the structural variables and frameworks to study complex networks
B. Analyse the linkages and relationships among social entities, as well as the antecedents and the implications of these linkages and relationships
C. Formalise and classify basic theories such as social capital, structural holes and organisational field-nets
D. Conduct research with appropriate methods such as matrix algebra, graph theory and data visualisation
E. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills

Method of teaching and learning

Lectures
Seminars