Bachelor
2021/2022
Research Seminar “Analytical Sociology and Big Data”
Category 'Best Course for Broadening Horizons and Diversity of Knowledge and Skills'
Category 'Best Course for New Knowledge and Skills'
Type:
Elective course (Sociology and Social Informatics)
Area of studies:
Sociology
Delivered by:
Department of Sociology
When:
2 year, 1-4 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
42
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The purpose of the course is to provide students with skills necessary for conducting social research based on big data analysis. During the course different features of analytical approach towards big data will be covered as well as a variety of examples of reports and articles relevant for the field. The seminar is intended for students who have previously attended research seminars of the BA in Sociology and Social Informatics in the previous years.
Learning Objectives
- be able to read and critically discuss articles from the field of the big data analysis and conduct empirical research using different sources of the data.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- be able to apply the methods of analytical sociology and social statistics to the analysis of big data
- employ major sociological concepts as instruments of sociological research
- learn basic methodological principles and major methods applicable for big data analysis
- read and discuss journal articles and book chapters; participate in group research projects; give presentations on their research projects and topics of their interest
- understand modern features and issues of big data analytics
- use basic rules of statistical inference
Course Contents
- Introduction to analytical sociology and applications
- Sources of big data; quality of data
- Research design for the big data analysis
- Studying stratification and intergenerational mobility using big data
- Social movements analysis using big data
- Educational research using big data
- Health research using big data
- Ethical issues of the big data research
Assessment Elements
- Participation in class discussions
- Written assignmentsIn-class assignments grade will be calculated as an average score for all types of written activities during the seminars.
- Presentation of the individual projectPresentation of the individual project includes final presentation on the topic of student’s course work and should represent a solid presentation of research framework, literature review, data description, data analysis and main conclusions.
- Participation in perusall discussion
Interim Assessment
- 2021/2022 4th module0.3 * Participation in class discussions + 0.3 * Presentation of the individual project + 0.2 * Written assignments + 0.2 * Participation in perusall discussion
- 2022/2023 4th module0.3 * Presentation of the individual project + 0.2 * Participation in perusall discussion + 0.3 * Participation in class discussions + 0.2 * Written assignments
- 2023/2024 3rd module-
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Van Rijmenam, M. (2014). Think Bigger : Developing a Successful Big Data Strategy for Your Business. New York: AMACOM. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=686831
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Manzo, G. (2014). Analytical Sociology : Actions and Networks. Hoboken: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=714658