Course unit details:
Theories of social relations, networks, and social structure
| Unit code | SOCY60631 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
The unit aims to provide students with a solid grounding in theoretical debates and issues, both within sociology and in social sciences more broadly. It will discuss core theories and literature on social network analysis, which will improve their understanding of and competence at social network analysis. In addition, the course will cover applications that focused on sociological questions such as inequality, social capital and community, as well as on topics related to culture, organisations, group processes, crime and covert networks, migration, health and well-being, gender, politics, social movements, etc.
We will also discuss why and how, in some cases, it is necessary to combine the techniques of formal social network analysis with other research methods drawn from the social sciences more broadly.
Aims
The unit aims to provide students with a solid grounding in theoretical debates and issues, both within sociology and in social sciences more broadly. It will discuss core theories and literature on social network analysis, which will improve their understanding of and competence at social network analysis. In addition, the course will cover applications that focused on sociological questions such as inequality, social capital and community, as well as on topics related to culture, organisations, group processes, crime and covert networks, migration, health and well-being, gender, politics, social movements, etc.
We will also discuss why and how, in some cases, it is necessary to combine the techniques of formal social network analysis with other research methods drawn from the social sciences more broadly.
Knowledge and understanding
- Critically engage with the theoretical foundations of SNA and use them to formulate robust and coherent SNA empirical questions.
- Assess the feasibility and applicability of a wide range of analytical techniques to social network data.
- Critically understand and evaluate SNA research, and reflect upon methodology in a theoretically informed way.
- Understand research questions in multidisciplinary contexts, and efficiently operationalise them.
Intellectual skills
- Reflect upon and evaluate theoretical ideas.
- Understand and mediate multidisciplinary environments and liaise across different intellectual and practical contexts.
Practical skills
- Master verbal and written presentation of arguments, and summarise and evaluate complex ideas.
- Design and develop tailored research projects and interventions to a variety of real-world problems.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Develop new or enhanced skills to identify and use diverse social network data, and use such data to inform cutting edge research projects and interventions in a variety of contexts.
- Work collaboratively, both face-to-face and through the use of various online tools and spaces.
Teaching and learning methods
Each week contains a combination of lectures and seminars.
Knowledge and understanding
Critically engage with the theoretical foundations of SNA and use them to formulate robust and coherent SNA empirical questions.
Assess the feasibility and applicability of a wide range of analytical techniques to social network data.
Critically understand and evaluate SNA research, and reflect upon methodology in a theoretically informed way.
Understand research questions in multidisciplinary contexts, and efficiently operationalise them.
Intellectual skills
Reflect upon and evaluate theoretical ideas.
Understand and mediate multidisciplinary environments and liaise across different intellectual and practical contexts.
Practical skills
Master verbal and written presentation of arguments, and summarise and evaluate complex ideas.
Design and develop tailored research projects and interventions to a variety of real-world problems.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Develop new or enhanced skills to identify and use diverse social network data, and use such data to inform cutting edge research projects and interventions in a variety of contexts.
Work collaboratively, both face-to-face and through the use of various online tools and spaces.
Assessment methods
3000 word essay (100%)
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Michael Genkin | Unit coordinator |
| Filip Agneessens | Unit coordinator |