Social Networks and Local Assistance

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

  Classes are theoretical-practical, appealing strongly to the participation of students. The teacher proceeds to theoretical systematization and presentation of issues and themes of the program, promoting the debate about the bibliography. Classes encourage strong involvement of students, who are expected to submit materials and different types of problems for discussion in class. 

Learning Outcomes

The course Redes Sociais e Acção Local presents the key concepts and theoretical and analytical models of network theory, discussing its importance for the construction of a interdisciplinary knowledge and a re-conceptualization of sociological theory. The course aims to articulate the theoretical discussion with a methodological approach, providing operational tools for understanding reticular social action and mapping social networks. It is intended that the course enables students to: a) know concepts and models of network theory; b) learn methodologies and analytical tools for mapping social and territorial networks; c) identify different types of networks; d) understand the reticular functioning of social actors.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.   The concept of network

1.1. Traditions and disciplines

1.2. From metaphor to theory: a "new science of networks"

1.3. Is it really a small world?

2. Social network analysis: theoretical perspectives

2.1. Simmel: the forms of social life

2.2. Wellman: the structural analysis

2.3. Castells: the network society

2.4. Latour: the actor-network theory

3. Social network analysis : methodology and applications

3.1. Methodologies to design networks

3.2. The strength of weak ties

3.3. Friends of friends

3.4. networks and contagious

3.5 Social networks and digital netwoks

 

4. Social Networks and Social Capital

 

4.1. Bourdieu, Coleman, Putnam and Lin

4.2. A critical theory of social capital

 

5 . Social Networks and Local Action: what makes networks move ?

 

5.1. Gift and interest

5.2 . Participation, inclusion and exclusion

5.3. Familism, particularism and clientelism 

Head Lecturer(s)

Sílvia Margarida Violante Portugal Correia

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Class participation and oral presentation of bibliography: 25.0%
Written work: 75.0%

Bibliography

CIDADANIA, políticas públicas e redes sociais. Org. Sílvia Portugal, Paulo Henrique Martins. Coimbra : Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra, 2011.

PORTUGAL, Sílvia - Família e redes sociais : ligações fortes na produção de bem-estar. Coimbra : Edições Almedina : CES, 2014.

RAINIE, Lee ;; WELLMAN, Barry – Networked : the new social operating system. Cambridge, Mass : MIT Press, 2014.

SOCIAL capital : theory and research. Ed. Nancy Lin, Karen Cook, Ronald S. Burt. 4th print.. New Brunswich : Aldine Transaction, 2008.

SOCIAL structures : a network approach. Ed. Barry Wellman, S. D. Berkowitz. Bingley : Emerald Group, 1997. WASSERMAN, Stanley ;; FAUST, Katherine - Social network analysis : methods and applications. 1st ed., 19th print.. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2009.

WATTS, Duncan J. - Six degrees : the science of a connected age. London : Vintage Books, 2004.