Communication and Social Networks (Spring 2020): Difference between revisions

From CommunityData
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== Course Information ==
= Course Information =
:'''COM 411: Introduction to Programming and Data Science'''
:'''COM 411: Introduction to Programming and Data Science'''
:'''Location:''' BRNG 2273
:'''Location:''' BRNG 2273
:'''Class Hours:''' Tuesdays and Thursdays; 3:00-4:15pm
:'''Class Hours:''' Tuesdays and Thursdays; 3:00-4:15pm


=== Instructor ===
== Instructor ==
:'''Instructor:''' [https://jeremydfoote.com Jeremy Foote]  
:'''Instructor:''' [https://jeremydfoote.com Jeremy Foote]  
:'''Email:''' jdfoote@purdue.edu
:'''Email:''' jdfoote@purdue.edu
Line 12: Line 12:
<div style="float:right;">__TOC__</div>
<div style="float:right;">__TOC__</div>


== Course Overview and Learning Objectives ==
= Course Overview and Learning Objectives =


Communication is inherently a social process. This class focuses on understanding how the structure of relationships between people influence communication patterns and behavior. This perspective can help us to understand a broad set of phenomena, from online communities to friendships to businesses.
Communication is inherently a social process. This class focuses on understanding how the structure of relationships between people influence communication patterns and behavior. This perspective can help us to understand a broad set of phenomena, from online communities to friendships to businesses.
Line 24: Line 24:




== Required resources and texts ==
= Required resources and texts =


=== Laptop ===
== Laptop ==


We will be meeting in a computer lab and you are welcome to use the lab computers for the in-class work that we are doing. In addition, I have ensured that the software we are using is also installed in the lab in the basement of Beering. If you choose to use your own computer, you need a machine with at least 2GB of memory. Windows, Mac OS, and Linux are all fine but an iPad or Android tablet won't work.
We will be meeting in a computer lab and you are welcome to use the lab computers for the in-class work that we are doing. In addition, I have ensured that the software we are using is also installed in the lab in the basement of Beering. If you choose to use your own computer, you need a machine with at least 2GB of memory. Windows, Mac OS, and Linux are all fine but an iPad or Android tablet won't work.


=== Readings ===
== Readings ==


* Required text: '''[https://smile.amazon.com/Six-Degrees-Science-Connected-Market Six Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age]''' by Duncan Watts. I will list required chapters in the weekly notes below.
* Required text: '''[https://smile.amazon.com/Six-Degrees-Science-Connected-Market Six Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age]''' by Duncan Watts. I will list required chapters in the weekly notes below.
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* Other readings: Other readings will be made available on Blackboard.
* Other readings: Other readings will be made available on Blackboard.


==== Additional readings and resources ====
== Additional readings and resources ==


* Barabasi, A-­‐L. (2002). Linked: The new science of networks. Cambridge, MA: Perseus.  
* Barabasi, A-­‐L. (2002). Linked: The new science of networks. Cambridge, MA: Perseus.  
Line 43: Line 43:




== Course logistics ==
= Course logistics =


=== Note About This Syllabus ===
== Note About This Syllabus ==


This is my first time teaching this course and this syllabus will be a dynamic document. Although the core expectations for this class are fixed, the details of readings and assignments may shift based on how the class goes. As a result, there are three important things to keep in mind:
This is my first time teaching this course and this syllabus will be a dynamic document. Although the core expectations for this class are fixed, the details of readings and assignments may shift based on how the class goes. As a result, there are three important things to keep in mind:
Line 53: Line 53:
# I will ask the class for voluntary anonymous feedback frequently. Please let me know what is working and what can be improved.
# I will ask the class for voluntary anonymous feedback frequently. Please let me know what is working and what can be improved.


=== Office hours and email ===
== Office hours and email ==


* I will hold office hours Thursday afternoons and by appointment. If you come with a programming question, I will expect that you have already tried to solve it yourself in multiple ways and that you have discussed it with at least two classmates. This policy lets me have time to help more students, but it's also a useful strategy. Often [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_duck_debugging just trying to explain your code] can help you to recognize where you've gone wrong.
* I will hold office hours Thursday afternoons and by appointment. If you come with a programming question, I will expect that you have already tried to solve it yourself in multiple ways and that you have discussed it with at least two classmates. This policy lets me have time to help more students, but it's also a useful strategy. Often [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_duck_debugging just trying to explain your code] can help you to recognize where you've gone wrong.
* I am also available by email. You can reach me at [mailto:jdfoote@purdue.edu jdfoote@purdue.edu]. I try hard to maintain a boundary between work and home and I typically respond only on weekdays during business hours (~9-5) but during the week I will generally respond within 24 hours.
* I am also available by email. You can reach me at [mailto:jdfoote@purdue.edu jdfoote@purdue.edu]. I try hard to maintain a boundary between work and home and I typically respond only on weekdays during business hours (~9-5) but during the week I will generally respond within 24 hours.


== Assignments ==
= Assignments =




=== Participation ===
== Participation ==


=== Homework/Labs ===
== Homework/Labs ==


=== Exams ===
== Exams ==


== Schedule ==
= Schedule =


'''NOTE'''  This section will be modified throughout the course to meet the class's needs. Check back in weekly.
'''NOTE'''  This section will be modified throughout the course to meet the class's needs. Check back in weekly.




=== Week 1: Introductions and the network perspective ===
== Week 1: Introductions and the network perspective ==


January 14
January 14
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=== Week 2: Small worlds and scale-free networks  ===
== Week 2: Small worlds and scale-free networks  ==


January 21  
January 21  
Line 112: Line 112:
'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


=== Week 3: Social network data ===
 
== Week 3: Social network data ==


January 28
January 28
Line 121: Line 122:


'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


January 30
January 30
Line 131: Line 131:
'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


=== Week 4: Network mechanisms and dynamics ===
 
== Week 4: Network mechanisms and dynamics ==


February 4
February 4
Line 150: Line 151:
'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


=== Week 5: Social capital, weak ties, and data collection ===
 
== Week 5: Social capital, weak ties, and data collection ==


February 11
February 11
Line 159: Line 161:


'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


February 13
February 13
Line 169: Line 170:
'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


=== Week 6: Ego networks and mid-term ===
 
== Week 6: Ego networks and mid-term ==


February 18
February 18
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'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


February 20
February 20
Line 185: Line 186:




=== Week 7: Introduction to R and network visualization ===
== Week 7: Introduction to R and network visualization ==


February 25
February 25
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'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


=== Week 8: Density, centralization, and power ===


== Week 8: Density, centralization, and power ==


March 3  
March 3  
Line 214: Line 215:


'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


March 5
March 5
Line 224: Line 224:
'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


=== Week 9: Finding groups in networks ===
 
== Week 9: Finding groups in networks ==


March 10
March 10
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=== March 17, 19: SPRING BREAK ===
== March 17, 19: SPRING BREAK ==


'''Spring Break: No Class'''
'''Spring Break: No Class'''
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== Week 10: Networks in organizations ==
 
=== Week 10: Networks in organizations ===


March 24
March 24
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'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


March 26
March 26


'''Assignment Due:'''  
'''Assignment Due:'''  
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=== Week 11: Social influence and diffusion ===
== Week 11: Social influence and diffusion ==


March 31
March 31
Line 282: Line 279:


'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


April 2
April 2
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'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


=== Week 12: Mid-term exam 2 and global networks ===
 
== Week 12: Mid-term exam 2 and global networks ==


April 7
April 7
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'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


April 9
April 9


'''Assignment Due:'''  
'''Assignment Due:'''  
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=== Week 13: The dark side of networks ===
== Week 13: The dark side of networks ==


April 14
April 14
Line 323: Line 318:


'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


April 16
April 16
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=== Week 14: Networks and the economy ===
== Week 14: Networks and the economy ==


April 21
April 21
Line 343: Line 337:


'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


April 23
April 23
Line 353: Line 346:
'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


=== Week 15:Networks and collaboration ===
 
== Week 15:Networks and collaboration ==


April 28
April 28
Line 371: Line 365:
'''Class Schedule:'''
'''Class Schedule:'''


=== Week 16: Finals week (April 28) ===
 
== Week 16: Finals week (April 28) ==


'''Assignment Due:'''
'''Assignment Due:'''
Line 377: Line 372:




= Administrative Notes =


== Administrative Notes ==
== Attendance Policy ==
 
=== Attendance Policy ===


Attendance is very important and it will be difficult to make up for any classes that are missed. It is expected that students communicate well in advance to faculty so that arrangements can be made for making up the work that was missed. It is the your responsibility to seek out support from classmates for notes, handouts, and other information.
Attendance is very important and it will be difficult to make up for any classes that are missed. It is expected that students communicate well in advance to faculty so that arrangements can be made for making up the work that was missed. It is the your responsibility to seek out support from classmates for notes, handouts, and other information.




=== Electronic Devices ===
== Electronic Devices ==


I love technology and I study how technology can help us to collaborate and create. However, the research is increasingly clear that in a classroom setting technology can easily become more of a distraction than an aid. Cell phones fall clearly into this category. Unless you have a specific and vital need to be accessible by phone, please silence your phone and keep it put away.
I love technology and I study how technology can help us to collaborate and create. However, the research is increasingly clear that in a classroom setting technology can easily become more of a distraction than an aid. Cell phones fall clearly into this category. Unless you have a specific and vital need to be accessible by phone, please silence your phone and keep it put away.
Line 392: Line 386:




=== Incomplete ===
== Incomplete ==


A grade of incomplete (I) will be given only in unusual circumstances. The request must describe the circumstances, along with a proposed timeline for completing the course work. Submitting a request does not ensure that an incomplete grade will be granted. If granted, you will be required to fill out and sign an “Incomplete Contract” form that will be turned in with the course grades. Any requests made after the course is completed will not be considered for an incomplete grade.
A grade of incomplete (I) will be given only in unusual circumstances. The request must describe the circumstances, along with a proposed timeline for completing the course work. Submitting a request does not ensure that an incomplete grade will be granted. If granted, you will be required to fill out and sign an “Incomplete Contract” form that will be turned in with the course grades. Any requests made after the course is completed will not be considered for an incomplete grade.




=== Academic Integrity ===
== Academic Integrity ==
   
   
While I encourage collaboration, I expect that any work that you submit is your own. Basic guidelines for Purdue students are outlined [https://www.purdue.edu/odos/osrr/academic-integrity/index.html here] but I expect you to be exemplary members of the academic community. Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
While I encourage collaboration, I expect that any work that you submit is your own. Basic guidelines for Purdue students are outlined [https://www.purdue.edu/odos/osrr/academic-integrity/index.html here] but I expect you to be exemplary members of the academic community. Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.


=== Nondiscrimination ===
== Nondiscrimination ==


I strongly support Purdue's policy of nondiscrimination (below). If you feel like any member of our classroom--including me--is not living up to these principles, then please come and talk to me about it.
I strongly support Purdue's policy of nondiscrimination (below). If you feel like any member of our classroom--including me--is not living up to these principles, then please come and talk to me about it.
Line 407: Line 401:
Purdue University is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and nurture diversity. The University believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life.
Purdue University is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and nurture diversity. The University believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life.


=== Students with Disabilities ===
== Students with Disabilities ==


Purdue University strives to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are welcome to let me know so that we can discuss options. You are also encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at: drc@purdue.edu or by phone: 765-494-1247.
Purdue University strives to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are welcome to let me know so that we can discuss options. You are also encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at: drc@purdue.edu or by phone: 765-494-1247.


=== Emergency Preparation ===
== Emergency Preparation ==


In the event of a major campus emergency, I will update the requirements and deadlines as needed.
In the event of a major campus emergency, I will update the requirements and deadlines as needed.


=== Mental Health ===
== Mental Health ==


If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of mental health support, services are available. For help, such individuals should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 765-494-6995 during and after hours, on weekends and holidays, or by going to the CAPS office of the second floor of the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) during business hours.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of mental health support, services are available. For help, such individuals should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 765-494-6995 during and after hours, on weekends and holidays, or by going to the CAPS office of the second floor of the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) during business hours.

Revision as of 19:04, 5 December 2019

Course Information

COM 411: Introduction to Programming and Data Science
Location: BRNG 2273
Class Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays; 3:00-4:15pm

Instructor

Instructor: Jeremy Foote
Email: jdfoote@purdue.edu
Office Hours: Thursdays; 12:30-2:30pm; BRNG 2156


Course Overview and Learning Objectives

Communication is inherently a social process. This class focuses on understanding how the structure of relationships between people influence communication patterns and behavior. This perspective can help us to understand a broad set of phenomena, from online communities to friendships to businesses.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  1. Understand the foundations of social network theory and analysis.
  2. Critically read and comprehend concepts, results, and implications presented in studies of social

networks.

  1. Learn how networks are related to the social phenomena of their own interests.
  2. Gain a basic understanding of gathering network data and analyzing them using the programming language R.


Required resources and texts

Laptop

We will be meeting in a computer lab and you are welcome to use the lab computers for the in-class work that we are doing. In addition, I have ensured that the software we are using is also installed in the lab in the basement of Beering. If you choose to use your own computer, you need a machine with at least 2GB of memory. Windows, Mac OS, and Linux are all fine but an iPad or Android tablet won't work.

Readings

  • Other readings: Other readings will be made available on Blackboard.

Additional readings and resources

  • Barabasi, A-­‐L. (2002). Linked: The new science of networks. Cambridge, MA: Perseus.
  • Hanneman, R. A., & Riddle, M. (2005). Introduction to social network methods. Riverside, CA: University of California, Riverside (available at http://faculty.ucr.edu/~hanneman/nettext/)
  • Scott, J. (2000). Social network analysis: A handbook (2nd edition). London: Sage Publications.


Course logistics

Note About This Syllabus

This is my first time teaching this course and this syllabus will be a dynamic document. Although the core expectations for this class are fixed, the details of readings and assignments may shift based on how the class goes. As a result, there are three important things to keep in mind:

  1. Although details on this syllabus will change, I will not change readings or assignments less than one week before they are due. If I don't fill in a "To Be Determined" one week before it's due, it is dropped. If you plan to read more than one week ahead, contact me first.
  2. Closely monitor your email. Because this a wiki, you will be able to track every change by clicking the history button on this page. I will also summarize these changes in an announcement that will be emailed to everybody in the class.
  3. I will ask the class for voluntary anonymous feedback frequently. Please let me know what is working and what can be improved.

Office hours and email

  • I will hold office hours Thursday afternoons and by appointment. If you come with a programming question, I will expect that you have already tried to solve it yourself in multiple ways and that you have discussed it with at least two classmates. This policy lets me have time to help more students, but it's also a useful strategy. Often just trying to explain your code can help you to recognize where you've gone wrong.
  • I am also available by email. You can reach me at jdfoote@purdue.edu. I try hard to maintain a boundary between work and home and I typically respond only on weekdays during business hours (~9-5) but during the week I will generally respond within 24 hours.

Assignments

Participation

Homework/Labs

Exams

Schedule

NOTE This section will be modified throughout the course to meet the class's needs. Check back in weekly.


Week 1: Introductions and the network perspective

January 14

Assignment Due:

  • None

Required Readings:

  • None

Class Schedule:

  • Class overview and expectations — We'll walk through this syllabus.

January 16

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 2: Small worlds and scale-free networks

January 21

Assignment Due:

Readings (before class):

Class Schedule:

January 23

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 3: Social network data

January 28

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

January 30

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 4: Network mechanisms and dynamics

February 4

Assignment Due:

  • First self-assessment reflection is due.

Readings:

Class Schedule:

February 6

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 5: Social capital, weak ties, and data collection

February 11

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

February 13

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 6: Ego networks and mid-term

February 18

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

February 20

In-class midterm exam


Week 7: Introduction to R and network visualization

February 25

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

February 27

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 8: Density, centralization, and power

March 3

Assignment Due:

  • Second self-assessment reflection is due.

Readings:

Class Schedule:

March 5

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 9: Finding groups in networks

March 10

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

March 13

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


March 17, 19: SPRING BREAK

Spring Break: No Class

Have a great Spring Break!


Week 10: Networks in organizations

March 24

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

March 26

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 11: Social influence and diffusion

March 31

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

April 2

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 12: Mid-term exam 2 and global networks

April 7

Assignment Due:

  • Third self-assessment reflection is due.

Readings:

Class Schedule:

April 9

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 13: The dark side of networks

April 14

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

April 16

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 14: Networks and the economy

April 21

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

April 23

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 15:Networks and collaboration

April 28

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:

April 30

Assignment Due:

Readings:

Class Schedule:


Week 16: Finals week (April 28)

Assignment Due:

  • Final self-assessment reflection is due.


Administrative Notes

Attendance Policy

Attendance is very important and it will be difficult to make up for any classes that are missed. It is expected that students communicate well in advance to faculty so that arrangements can be made for making up the work that was missed. It is the your responsibility to seek out support from classmates for notes, handouts, and other information.


Electronic Devices

I love technology and I study how technology can help us to collaborate and create. However, the research is increasingly clear that in a classroom setting technology can easily become more of a distraction than an aid. Cell phones fall clearly into this category. Unless you have a specific and vital need to be accessible by phone, please silence your phone and keep it put away.

Laptops can also be distracting, to you and to others. I strongly suggest that you take notes using pen and paper. Taking notes on a laptop is permitted but please refrain from using your laptop from non-class purposes (email, Facebook, shopping, etc.). Please close any applications which might be distracting.


Incomplete

A grade of incomplete (I) will be given only in unusual circumstances. The request must describe the circumstances, along with a proposed timeline for completing the course work. Submitting a request does not ensure that an incomplete grade will be granted. If granted, you will be required to fill out and sign an “Incomplete Contract” form that will be turned in with the course grades. Any requests made after the course is completed will not be considered for an incomplete grade.


Academic Integrity

While I encourage collaboration, I expect that any work that you submit is your own. Basic guidelines for Purdue students are outlined here but I expect you to be exemplary members of the academic community. Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

Nondiscrimination

I strongly support Purdue's policy of nondiscrimination (below). If you feel like any member of our classroom--including me--is not living up to these principles, then please come and talk to me about it.

Purdue University is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own potential. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and nurture diversity. The University believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life.

Students with Disabilities

Purdue University strives to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are welcome to let me know so that we can discuss options. You are also encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center at: drc@purdue.edu or by phone: 765-494-1247.

Emergency Preparation

In the event of a major campus emergency, I will update the requirements and deadlines as needed.

Mental Health

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, depressed, and/or in need of mental health support, services are available. For help, such individuals should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 765-494-6995 during and after hours, on weekends and holidays, or by going to the CAPS office of the second floor of the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH) during business hours.