CSOC10010 Introduction to Computational Social Science

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module provides an introduction and discussion of the key principles and concepts in computational social science (CSS). Some of the main approaches in the field are introduced - beginning with a historical background to the main developments, up to and including an introduction to the most recent developments and applications of the methodological approaches discussed.

In particular, this module provides the student with an overview of four main areas in the CSS field: automated social information extraction, social network analysis, social complexity theory and social simulation modeling.

Where possible the discussion of topics in this module will be enhanced by presentation and discussion of some empirical examples and applications from industry, NGOs and the public sector.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module the student will

1. have acquired a good overview knowledge of the main theories of the CSS paradigm as causal explanatory frameworks that shed new light on the nature of human and social dynamics;

2. be able to identify and discuss a number of key methodological tools in CSS: present the main classes of entities, objects and relations common to the computational analysis of social complexity;

3. identify some of the main applications of this field in industry, NGOs and the public sector.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Autonomous Student Learning

92
Total

112
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
(1) inquiry-driven / task-based case studies;
(2) stimulation of curiosity and learning independence;
(3) development of topic-specific critical thinking; 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

No Prior Learning required


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: End of the term essay Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

50
Assignment: Weekly assignments Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Professor Taha Yasseri Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Arjumand Younus Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Saeedeh Mohammadi Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 17:00 - 17:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn