Social networks are everywhere. Information (e.g., factual in an organization, gossip in a residential college), influence (e.g., others trying to get us to do what they want or visa versa) and infection (e.g., HIV/AIDS, SARS, sexually transmitted diseases) pass through networks. Social networks affect friendships, romantic liaisons, marriages, work, health and so on. At one end of the spectrum networks connect us together as individuals, increasingly through electronic means, such as email over the Internet or World Wide Web (WWW), and through mobile phones. In some cases these networks may be benign (e.g., students getting together to party). In other cases they may not be benign (e.g., terrorist networks or spy networks). At the other end of the spectrum networks connect the organisations and societies that affect us (whether or not we are members of them). These 'higher level' networks can have far reaching consequences (sometimes for better; sometimes for worse). The focus of this course is on a broad range of network structures and processes, and how these assist (or impede) personal survival in modern society. It is a non-mathematical introduction to network theory and research (data and assistance are available if anyone would like to do a quantitative essay).

two 750 word assignments (15% each),  tutorial presentation paper 1,000 words (20%); synthesis essay 1,500 words (40%); tutorial participation (10%)

Any two first-year courses from the Faculties of Arts or Science, or permission of Coordinator.

Explore the http://www.sfu.ca/~insna and course WebCT site.