Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
SP30200: Social dynamics and complex systems |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| ES100 |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take SP20112 |
| Description: | Aims: The unit will examine a variety of recent approaches to the analysis of social dynamics, with particular reference to neo-institutionalism and complexity science. It will consider the strengths and limitations of each, as a basis for theorising and modelling social dynamics, and the scope for applying such perspectives to empirical data sets. It will also consider the implications for policy analysis and policy indicators. The unit will bring together a range of theoretical literatures with a number of empirically oriented case studies. Learning Outcomes: Critical understanding of contemporary approaches to explaining social dynamics, using a variety of recent social science literatures including those which draw inspiration from the natural sciences. Application of these literatures to the analysis of public policies. Skills: To think creatively and analytically To evaluate others' arguments and research; To learn independently and be able to assess own learning needs (i.e. identify strengths and improve weaknesses in methods of learning and studying); To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information; To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge; To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding; To utilise problem solving skills; To apply effectively and efficiently principles of sociological/social policy analysis within a variety of environments; To develop essay research, preparation and writing skills; To develop presentation skills and verbal communication (i.e. oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contributions). Content: The analysis of social dynamics: perspectives and problems. Complexity in the natural sciences: emergence and path dependency. Economic institutionalism and political neo-institutionalism: institutions, interests and time. Agents and actions on complex terrains. Policy analysis and policy indicators. |