Social networks are increasingly recognised as important in societies, across a range of areas such as arts and humanities (e.g., history), business and commerce (e.g., eCommerce), criminology and security studies, engineering and information science, epidemiology and public health, management studies, mathematics, the natural and physical sciences, public/social policy, as well as the social sciences (e.g., anthropology, psychology, sociology … wherein study of social networks originated).  This course provides an overview of the development of Social Network Analysis (SNA), an introduction to path-breaking studies, key concepts, and hands-on experience with basic software used for social network analysis.  Participants will carry out analysis of a 'classic' social network dataset and present their results to their colleagues in the course.  [The main focus is on introductory-level quantitative social network analysis tools but there is scope for qualitative emphasis for individual participants.]

On successfully satisfying the requirements of the course participants should have:

• An understanding of a broad range of network concepts and theories.
• An appreciation of how network analyses have contributed to increasing knowledge of diverse aspects of society, as well as help in the future to answer questions of theoretical and policy concern.
• The capacity to begin to apply 'network thinking' to questions of interest to them.
• Skills needed to analyse social network data at a level appropriate to an introductory course.

Enhanced proficiency in downloading into EndNote (or a similar citation database) relevant reference data for current and future use, in order to begin to build up a personal social networks reference database, and in employing this software for referencing Essays and other work in which referencing is required for this course (and elsewhere).

• Essay, on topic agreed with participants, 4,500 –5,000 words (55%).
• Seminar participation and mini-assignments, 1,000 words, (15%).
• Computer Lab participation and mini-assignments (20%).

Presentation (15-20 min) on topic of Essay (10%, based on outline and visuals used]. 

Seminar/Computer Lab sessions, 2 hours per week, 12 weeks.

Plus an estimated 6 hours per week independent study time.

As noted, participants who would like more background will be free to attend and participate in Socy2054 (Social Networks: Critical Structures and Processes), and/or to take advantage of material for this course, available on-line.

None.  However, it is strongly recommended that students consider taking other ADSRI courses in the Internet/Web network analysis stream.

As for ADSRI Master of Social Research.

Required:

• Social Networks Course eBrick01 (no charge, available on-line).
• EndNote (or similar Citation manager) (Endnote is free to enrolled ANU students from the Library Reserve collection).

• Social Networks Course eBrick02 (no charge, available on-line).
• Ucinet 6 (Software) plus accompanying manuals.  About $120.  [For those wishing to do network analyses outside University computer labs (e.g., on their home computers).  Downloadable from Web with free trial period of about one month.]
• Netdraw (Software) (Comes with Ucinet or otherwise free for academic use).
• Pajek (pronounced 'Pie-Yek') (Software, free for academic use).

Recommended:

• Scott, J. Social Network Analysis: A Handbook, 2^nd Ed., 2000. Copy/ copies available in Library's Reserve Collection.
• Degenne, A. and M. Forse.  Introducing Social Networks, 1994. Copy/ copies available in Library's Reserve Collection.
• Wasserman, S. and K. Faust.  Social Network Analysis: Methods and Applications, 1994.  Recommended for those considering further work in this area; copy/copies available in Library's Reserve Collection.

De Nooy, W., A. Mvar and V. Batagelj.  Exploratory Social Network Analysis with Pajek, 2005.  Recommended for those considering further work in this area; copy/copies available in Library's Reserve Collection.

Computer Lab (PC and Mac, convenient for after hours and weekend parking), and relevant software as discussed in Prescribed Texts section above.