Social Network Theory and Analysis. 3 credits, 3 contact hours

Catalog description

Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 with a grade of C or higher, one 200-level Cultural Literacy GER, PSY 213 . This course examines the relationship between social networks and human communication, focusing on both theoretical perspectives and practical applications. Students explore foundational concepts in network theory and investigate how connections among individuals, groups, and organizations shape the flow of information, influence, and behavior. The course integrates scholarship on the science of networks with hands-on experience in computational and statistical tools for social network research. Emphasis is placed on the structure and dynamics of networks, including formation, maintenance, and transformation in digital and offline contexts. Through applied projects, students learn to collect, visualize, and interpret network data and to communicate their findings effectively across academic and professional settings.