2025
Social Network Analysis
Name: Social Network Analysis
Code: SOC12056M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Sociology
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
a) Understand the theoretical principles and methodological of social network analysis
b) Identify the principles of analysis of socio-organizational networks
c) To identify methodologies and tools for analysis of socio-organizational networks
d) Recognize the factors of success and failure of social networks
e) Identify the potential of Social Network Analysis in the organizational approach
f) Learning to study a problem from the perspective of social network analysis
g) To know the methodological tools of ARS to capture the socio-organizational
h) Learn and apply the different possibilities of visualization and network analysis using computer tools
b) Identify the principles of analysis of socio-organizational networks
c) To identify methodologies and tools for analysis of socio-organizational networks
d) Recognize the factors of success and failure of social networks
e) Identify the potential of Social Network Analysis in the organizational approach
f) Learning to study a problem from the perspective of social network analysis
g) To know the methodological tools of ARS to capture the socio-organizational
h) Learn and apply the different possibilities of visualization and network analysis using computer tools
Contents
Theme 1 - Background
The genesis of the networks
Jacob Moreno and sociometric tests
The Harvard and Chicago Schools
The Manchester School
The relevance of social network analysis
Theme 2 - Language and principles
The Graphs
The matrices
The connections on the network
The language used in graphs and matrices
The network measures
Theme 3 - Methodology
Principles of methodological guidance
And network structure: a focus on structural analysis
Objectives of research in ARS
Analysis techniques
Detection of the structure
Positions and roles in the network: the concept of equivalence
Positioning of the actors in the structure
Bonacich power index
Effect of structure on the behavior of actors
Theme 4 - Analyses socio-organizational
Relationships, resources and schedule
Reasons for the formation of social and organizational networks
THeme 5 - Computer Tools
Ucinet and Netdraw
The genesis of the networks
Jacob Moreno and sociometric tests
The Harvard and Chicago Schools
The Manchester School
The relevance of social network analysis
Theme 2 - Language and principles
The Graphs
The matrices
The connections on the network
The language used in graphs and matrices
The network measures
Theme 3 - Methodology
Principles of methodological guidance
And network structure: a focus on structural analysis
Objectives of research in ARS
Analysis techniques
Detection of the structure
Positions and roles in the network: the concept of equivalence
Positioning of the actors in the structure
Bonacich power index
Effect of structure on the behavior of actors
Theme 4 - Analyses socio-organizational
Relationships, resources and schedule
Reasons for the formation of social and organizational networks
THeme 5 - Computer Tools
Ucinet and Netdraw
Teaching Methods
Lectures: The transmission of core content will be delivered through theoretical lectures with an interactive approach, incorporating practical examples and case discussions to contextualize the theoretical concepts of Social Network Analysis (SNA) and facilitate students? progressive understanding.
Practical Sessions: Practical activities will focus on applying network analysis methodologies and using specific software tools such as UCINET, Netdraw, and Gephi. These sessions allow students to consolidate technical skills and explore real or simulated data in social and organizational networks.
Collaborative Work: Group exercises, simulations, and case study analyses will promote critical discussion and the application of the SNA perspective to concrete organizational and social problems. This methodology encourages knowledge sharing, negotiation of interpretations, and development of teamwork skills.
Independent Work: Students will be encouraged to develop research and analytical skills through guided readings, database exploration, and small individual or group projects. This methodology strengthens autonomy, problem-formulation skills, and critical interpretation of results.
Thus, the course combines methodologies to ensure coherence with a pedagogical model centered on active learning, interdisciplinarity, and the development of analytical and applied competencies. Moodle is used as a resource for organizing and accessing learning materials, as well as for communication and feedback.
Practical Sessions: Practical activities will focus on applying network analysis methodologies and using specific software tools such as UCINET, Netdraw, and Gephi. These sessions allow students to consolidate technical skills and explore real or simulated data in social and organizational networks.
Collaborative Work: Group exercises, simulations, and case study analyses will promote critical discussion and the application of the SNA perspective to concrete organizational and social problems. This methodology encourages knowledge sharing, negotiation of interpretations, and development of teamwork skills.
Independent Work: Students will be encouraged to develop research and analytical skills through guided readings, database exploration, and small individual or group projects. This methodology strengthens autonomy, problem-formulation skills, and critical interpretation of results.
Thus, the course combines methodologies to ensure coherence with a pedagogical model centered on active learning, interdisciplinarity, and the development of analytical and applied competencies. Moodle is used as a resource for organizing and accessing learning materials, as well as for communication and feedback.
Assessment
Students may choose one of the following assessment methods:
A) Continuous assessment:
Continuous assessment includes two main components, each with a specific weighting in the final grade:
1. Critical review or individual position paper (50% weighting) (production of a critical analysis or position paper on a topic related to Social Network Analysis - SNA).
2. Group work (50% weighting), with the presentation and discussion in accounting for 40% and the remaining 60% of this component attributed to the written part.
B) Final assessment: Examination (100% of CF).
A) Continuous assessment:
Continuous assessment includes two main components, each with a specific weighting in the final grade:
1. Critical review or individual position paper (50% weighting) (production of a critical analysis or position paper on a topic related to Social Network Analysis - SNA).
2. Group work (50% weighting), with the presentation and discussion in accounting for 40% and the remaining 60% of this component attributed to the written part.
B) Final assessment: Examination (100% of CF).
Teaching Staff
- Ana Maria Marques Balão [responsible]
Certificações
