Statistical and Data Sciences 338 - Research Seminar in Political Networks

Offered as GOV 338 and SDS 338. How does the behavior of a state, politician or interest group affect the behavior of others? Does Massachusetts’s decision to legalize recreational marijuana influence Vermont’s marijuana policies? From declarations of war to the decision of who congressmembers will vote with, social scientists are increasingly looking to political networks to recognize the inter-connectedness of the world around us. This course presents an overview of the essentials of social network analysis and how they are applied to give us a better understanding of American politics. Prerequisites: SDS 220 or an equivalent introductory statistics course. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required.

[CE] JR/SR only