DHSI-networks-2019

DHSI Network Analysis Course 2019 Course content for the 2019 DHSI course: Foundations of Network Analysis, which will be held at the University of Victoria, BC on June 10-14, 2019.

Jessica Otis | [email protected] | Twitter

Class Description

This course offers a basic introduction to the construction and analysis of networks. Participants will become familiar with the mathematical concepts that are foundational to networks as they learn to format network data, analyze and interpret networks structures, visualize network graphs, and integrate network analysis into their existing research workflows. They will also be introduced to popular cross-platform digital humanities tools for the visualization and analysis of networks. This course will be relevant to all humanities researchers who are interested in learning more about the potential of network analysis to support humanist research goals. Having completed this course, participants will have a better understanding of how to employ network analysis in their future research and pedagogy. No previous mathematical or programming experience is required.

Learning Outcomes

You should walk away from this course with the following knowledge:

• What the underlying mathematical concepts in a network are
• How to format humanities data for network analysis
• How to visualize networks in order to convey a narrative argument
• How to quantitatively analyze and interpret network structures
• What the currently popular network software and libraries are

Reading Material

Before Day 1: Software Installation

If possible, please install Gephi before this course begins. You can find the free download at -> https://gephi.org. Gephi can be a bit finicky so if you have trouble with the install then I will help you complete the install before we need to use it in class.

Day 1: Welcome and Introduction to Networks

1. Welcome
   1. Introductions
   2. Logistics
   3. Schedule
2. Graphs, Trees, and Networks

Day 2: Structuring and Visualizing Networks

1. Varieties of Networks
2. Structuring Data for Networks
   1. with a quick peek at Palladio
3. Visualizing Networks
   1. with Gephi)

Day 3: Quantitatively Analyzing Networks

1. Networks Over Time and Space
2. Network Metrics
   1. The Diary of Samuel Pepys
3. How To Use (and How NOT To Use) Network Analysis

Day 4: Individual Projects

1. Additional Network Tools
2. Students work on individual projects, with instructor support

Day 5: Race to the Finish

1. Students work on individual projects, with instructor support
2. Debrief and Feedback