POLNET School on Social Network Analysis

Curious about Social Network Analysis and its applications in political network research? Join our POLNET School this September for an enriching learning experience curated by the Standing Group on Political Networks.

Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a promising methodological tool and theoretical approach, and its use has increased exponentially in recent years. Currently, it offers numerous quantitative applications in the fields of political, sociological, and organisational sciences.

The POLNET team has been offering an extensive range of social network analysis (SNA) courses for over two decades. This year, we will celebrate its 25th Anniversary while returning to the founding university, Universität Konstanz, in Germany.

The goal of this school is to deepen your knowledge of Social Network Analysis (SNA) by providing you with extensive knowledge of descriptive social network analysis, and sessions on more advanced techniques, such as Relational Event Models, and Discourse Network Analysis.

Programme Information

The school will start on Monday, 21 September, during the afternoon. There will be a short module delivered covering an Introduction to R and R Studio. Please note, this session is optional.

Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 September will be full mandatory days covering topics listed below under the learning outcomes.

Friday 25 September is an optional conference day, featuring a Keynote and Panels throughout the day. If you are a school participant, attendance to the conference is included in your registration. If you would like to attend the one-day conference, without participating in the school, this will require a separate registration with a fee of €50.

Learning outcomes

• Receive an overview of theories and data in political science network research
• Understand the basics of SNA, with RI, R II and R III
• Learn about the key network analysis techniques
• Gain practical experience in programmes including R, DNA, Visone, and NetLogo
• Get introduced to more advanced tools such as Discourse Network Analysis (DNA), Exponetial Random Graph Models (ERGM), Relational Event Models, and Agent-based Modelling (ABM).

All sessions are tailored for both beginners and advanced participants on DNA. You have the flexibility to choose which sessions to attend based on your interests and skill level.

Applications for this event will open on 25 February.