Social Network Analysis

This course introduces the theories, methods, and policy applications of social network analysis, emphasizing its growing relevance across fields such as public health, international security, and organizational strategy. Students examine key approaches—including complete, ego-centered, and personal networks—to understand how relationships influence behavior, information flow, and institutional outcomes. Combining lectures with hands-on laboratory exercises, the course integrates concepts from sociology, political science, and data science to develop foundational analytic skills. By the end, students apply network analysis tools to evaluate complex social systems and generate insights that inform policy and research design. Students should already have completed most of the Core curriculum before taking this class.