LINKS Center summer workshop(s) on social network analysis

The LINKS Center for Social Network Analysis at the University of Kentucky offers a workshop on social network analysis (SNA) every summer. In ordinary years, this is held in-person with multiple simultaneous tracks and more than 25 instructors and TAs. This year, however, we are scaling back to four synchronousonline tracks (conducted over Zoom). Each track meets on 3-5 consecutive days for four hours a day. At the end of the week for Track 1 and Track 2, there is access to a limited number of one-on-one consultations with experienced research faculty to discuss your individual research. The advantage of this online edition is that you can take multiple tracks, since they are arranged consecutively, not concurrently. The tracks are as follows:

Track 1. Introduction to Social Network Analysis - June 7, 8, 9

Led by Dan Brass, Rich DeJordy and Dan Halgin, this course provides a basic introduction to the theory and methodology of network research. Topics include theoretical perspectives, social capital, and the nuts and bolts of doing a network analysis using UCINET and Netdraw software (both Windows programs). Starting June 7, it meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30am EDT and 12:30-2:30pm EDT (12 contact hours) and provides homework assignments and access to TAs. The course costs $1,500 ($750 for students).

Track 2. Intermediate Social Network Analysis (UCINET software) - June 14, 15, 16

Taught by Steve Borgatti, this is a more technical and in-depth workshop focusing on the concepts and methods of SNA, particularly as they apply to specific research objectives. The mathematics behind the measures are explained, as well as how to use the measures in practice. UCINET for Windows software is used extensively. The course meets three times starting June 14: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 10:00am-12:00pm EDT and 12:30pm-2:30pm EDT (12 contact hours). After each class, students work on homework assignments with the help of the TAs. The course costs $1,500 ($750 for students).

Track 3. Intermediate Social Network Analysis (R software) - June 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

Taught by Filip Agneessens. Like Track 2, this is a more technical and in-depth workshop than the intro workshop, focusing on the concepts and methods of SNA, particularly as they apply to specific research objectives. This workshop uses the software package R, rather than UCINET. The mathematics behind the measures are explained, as well as how to use the measures in practice. The course meets five times starting June 21: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm and 12:30pm-2:30pm EDT (20 contact hours). Participants will receive homework, which includes running analyses and interpreting results and which they can perform in small groups of 2 or 3. The results are then discussed at the next meeting. The course costs $2,000 ($1,000 for students).

Track 4. Stochastic Models of Networks -- June 28, 29, 30, July 1, 2

Taught by Filip Agneessens, this course covers ERGMs and SAOMs, two families of statistical models used to model the presence or absence of ties. While the course is introductory, prior familiarity with both statistics and network analysis is strongly advised. Starting after Track 2 and Track 3 finish, the course meets five days (20 contact hours), starting June 28. The course aims to be interactive, using breakout sessions for the exercises and time between classes to consolidate knowledge. Participants will receive homework involving running further analyses and interpreting results. The homework can be performed in small groups of 2 or 3. The results are then discussed at the next meeting. The course costs $2,000 ($1,000 for students).

Registration

Registration is open now, and will remain open for each track until the track begins. Registrants may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start of their track(s). Students (currently enrolled at any level) can enter the promo code "Student" at registration to receive the 50% discount. Additional (half price) discounts are available for members of the University of Kentucky community. UK faculty & staff should enter promo code "UK-Faculty", and UK students should use "UK-Student". 

Contact

The website for this workshop is https://sites.google.com/view/linksworkshop2021/. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Soltis <scott.m.soltis@uky.edu>. In addition, you can visit your track-specific webpage to get contact information for your instructors and TAs.