ED537 Introduction to Social Network Theory, Methods, and Research Applications

Social network analysis (SNA) is a set of theories and analytic methods designed to understand relationships among social actors and to foster examination of how these relationships influence individual and group attitudes and behaviors. SNA differs from conventional research approaches because it explicitly addresses the fact that individuals are interdependent actors, who are embedded in a social structure. In fact, SNA considers these relationships and the emergent social structures generated from them as critical to understanding a variety of phenomenon in social settings. Through this course you will learn about key theories underlying social network analysis and become familiar with qualitative and quantitative techniques and approaches to collecting and analyzing social network data at both the individual and organizational level. Network concepts will be defined and applied to topics in small groups, social movements, organizations, and communities. SNA has recently become an emergent tool in educational research, particularly focusing on student-student (peer) networks, teacher networks, higher education student activism, and policy processes at both the K-12 and higher education levels. We will also consider ways that social network theories and methodological approaches have been fruitfully used to examine issues outside of education, e.g., obesity, friendship, racial stereotypes, epidemics, and many other areas. We will focus on important network concepts like diffusion, centrality, brokering, etc. and apply these to educational and non-educational settings. Prerequisites: ED506 (or ED406) and ED504 (or permission of instructor).

Credits: 3
Offered: Occasionally
Offered Online: No terms identified
Modes: In-Person
Prerequisites: ED506 (or ED406), ED 504
Restrictions: None
ED 537 Introduction to Social Network Theory, Methods, and Research Applications course information is subject to change, please check the latest schedule.