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SOC41220

Academic Year 2025/2026

Social Networks (SOC41220)

Subject:
Sociology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Sociology
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Scott Renshaw
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces the theory and computational methods of Social Network Analysis (SNA). Drawing from diverse social sciences, it explores how relational data can reveal underlying social mechanisms across fields including communication, epidemiology, and organizational studies. The course combines a comprehensive review of foundational literature and application areas with practical experience in processing and analyzing relational data. Students will engage in theoretical discussions examining key research and case studies alongside hands-on practice developing competencies in network data collection, processing, and analysis of both static and dynamic social networks. Through this integrated approach, students will learn to think "relationally" and to connect individual-level attributes and network positions to collective social phenomena using a range of computational and analytical techniques.

Experience with statistical programming languages like R is helpful but not essential; comprehensive resources and support will be available for students regardless of their programming background.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students will be able to:
· Critically evaluate theoretical foundations and computational methods of Social Network Analysis across diverse social science applications
· Design and implement network data collection strategies appropriate for research questions in communication, epidemiology, organizational studies, and related fields
· Apply advanced computational techniques using R programming to process, analyze, and visualize both static and dynamic social network data
· Interpret network metrics, structural properties, and positional analyses to explain individual-level attributes and collective social phenomena
· Synthesize relational thinking approaches with traditional social science methodologies to address complex research problems
· Evaluate the methodological strengths and limitations of network analysis approaches in empirical research contexts

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

0

Total

0


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
· Lectures combining theory and application
· Hands-on computational workshops and lab sessions
· Problem-based learning through coding exercises
· Critical reading and theoretical discussion
· Reflective learning through blog-style discussions
· Independent research and data analysis practice
· Case study examination across multiple disciplines

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Weekly Reflective Discussion / Computational Assignments: Combined weekly assessments including blog-style responses to theoretical readings and R programming exercises analyzing network data. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
45
No
Exam (Take-Home): Take-Home Examination: Open-book comprehensive exam testing conceptual understanding, brief analytical exercises with documented work, and analysis of provided network datasets Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
55
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

- Feedback on weekly assignments (blog posts or computational assignments) through peer interaction and instructor comments. - Office hours for individual consultation

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 15:00 - 16:50