courses :: 11.53`   social networks :: keith hampton   social networks is the description of a diverse body of research and theory based upon the premise that "relationships," in contrast with "individual characteristics," are useful for understanding social structure and social behavior. network analysts study the structure of these relations, how the pattern of social interactions allocate scarce resources, constrain behavior, and channel social change. their methods are both quantitative and qualitative. this course is an introduction to social network analysis. we will consider how using a network perspective can help to conceptualize and clarify many different types of important sociological questions, and offer new ways of answering those questions. the course will show how attending to the organization of social relationships can increase our understanding of various aspects of individual, community, and organizational life. key theorists :: claude fisher, mark granovetter, barry wellman, stanley wasserman   course website