Social Networks Analysis

Year
1
Academic year
2023-2024
Code
02042255
Subject Area
Sociology
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
7.5
Type
Elective
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

Does not apply.

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, allowing the operationlization of theoretical issues.

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 of network theory; b) learn methodologies and analytical tools for mapping social networks; c) identify problems related to the collection and reliability of network data d) identify different types of networks; e) understand the reticular behaviour 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"

2. Concepts and applications of network analysis

2.1. Attributes, dyads, groups, relations and networks

2.2. Themes and contexts

2.3. Is it really a small world?

2.4. Sociology and social networks

3. Methods and network analysis

3.1. Types of ties and types of networks

3.2. Methodologies to design networks

3.3. Software and network design

4. Social networks on-line

4.1. The on-line/off-line relation

4.2. Virtual communities

5. Social Networks and Social Capital

5.1. Bourdieu, Coleman, Putnam and Lin

5.2. A critical theory of social capital.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Periodic or by final exam as given in the course information : 100.0%

Bibliography

Castells, Manuel (2002), A Sociedade em Rede, 4ª Ed., Vol. I, Lisboa, Gulbenkian.

Kadushin, Charles (2012), Understanding Social Networks. Theories, Concepts and Findings, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Lin, Nan; Cook, Karen; Burt, Ronald S. (Eds.) (2001), Social Capital. Theory and Research, New York, Aldine de Gruyter.

Portugal, Sílvia (2014), Família e Redes Sociais. Ligações fortes na produção de bem-estar, Coimbra, Almedina.

Rainie, Lee; Wellman, Barry (2014), Networked: The New Social Operating System, MIT Press.

Recuero, Raquel (2009), Redes sociais na internet, Porti Alegre, Sulina.

Wasserman, Stanley; Faust, Katherine (1999), Social Network Analysis. Methods and Applications, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.

Watts, Duncan J. (2003), Six Degrees. The Science of a Connected Age, New York, W. W. Norton & Company.

Wellman, Barry; Berkowitz, S. D. (eds.) (1991), Social Structures. A Network Approach, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.