The course is a theoretical, methodological and practical introduction to the social networks analysis (SNA) and its applications, particularly in the field of the sociology of organizations. Its aim is to supply the knowledge and the skills essential for studying the relationships between social actors, defining models and functions of networks, collecting relational data, and defining measures to analyse social network. In addition, students will be introduced to research practices, by means of software packages, 

In the first part of the course the theoretical, methodological and technical issues relating to the SNA will be presented. In the second and third parts some applications in the field of organizations and work will be analyzed. Students will be invited to apply the theoretical concepts to some concrete cases.

Part 1. Theory and methods of SNA

1.1 Definition of "network" and "relationship"

1.2. Elements of graph theory

1.3. Treatment of relational data

1.4. Graphs and matrices

1.5. Network Density 

1.6. Centrality and centralization indexes

1.7. Identification of cohesive subgroups

1.8. Positions and social roles

1.9. Methods of graphical representation

Part 2. The study of the social capital

2.1. Definitions of social capital

2.2. Methods for analysing social capital

2.3. The study of Granovetter about the role of weak ties

2.4 The organizational social capital

2.5 The inter-organizational network 

2.6 Methods for analysing interorganizational networks

2.7 SNA applications of the to study of interorganizational networks of small biotech companies

Part 3. Simulating network dynamics

3.1 Computer simulation in social sciences

3.2 Agent-based models

3.3 Experiments of "social contagion"

1. Knowledge and understanding: at the end of the course, students should demonstrate to know the main theories about social networks, the tools to analyse them, and a specialized vocabulary.

Students will attain this knowledge by participating in lectures and by studying the scientific texts proposed by the teacher, and discussed in the classroom.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding: students should consolidate skills in the use of knowledge (know-how), and be able to apply them on some concrete cases proposed by the teacher.

Students will attain this knowledge by Classroom discussions, tutorials, study of texts.

3. Capacity of judgment: students should be able to properly analyze social interactions and identify the main properties of networks by using the learned technical tools.

4. Communication skills: discussion coordinated by the teacher about the course topics.

Students will attain this knowledge by developping opportunities for dialogue in the classroom.

5. Learning skills: development of critical skills, logic and problem analysis.

Students will attain this knowledge by classroom discussions, tutorials, study of texts

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Practices coordinated by professor and research fellows.

Teaching

Lectures and practical applications on network analysis.

Attendance

To be counted as “attending”, students must have completed any classwork, exercises or other such activities organised by the lecturer during the course.

Course books

Scott J., Social network analysis, Sage, 2013

Granovetter M. Getting a Job A STUDY OF CONTACTS AND CAREERS, Chicago University Press, 1985.

Assessment

The exam will be held through an individual interview based on textbooks suggested. The aim is to evaluate both student's comprehension of the content and his ability in reworking concepts and in argumenting. 

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth study; knowing how to link among them the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate language.

Good grades will be given in presence of:  good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively good critical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Study of texts

Attendance

Study of texts

Course books

Scott J., Social network analysis, Sage, 2013

Granovetter M. Getting a Job A STUDY OF CONTACTS AND CAREERS, Chicago University Press, 1985.

Assessment

The exam will be held through an individual interview based on textbooks suggested. The aim is to evaluate both student's comprehension of the content and his ability in reworking concepts and in argumenting. I

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth study; knowing how to link among them the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate language.

Good grades will be given in presence of:  good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively good critical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.