Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/renqun-wangluo
In today’s interconnected world, understanding the dynamics of social networks and the principles of computational thinking is more important than ever. The course ‘人群与网络’ (Crowds and Networks) offered by Peking University on Coursera provides an interdisciplinary approach to these topics, making it an excellent choice for undergraduate students in fields such as information technology, sociology, and economics.
### Course Overview
This online elective course dives into classic problems in sociology and economics through the lens of computational thinking. It aims to equip students with the skills to analyze and reason about social science issues, fostering a deeper appreciation of the interactions between computing and social sciences.
### Syllabus Breakdown
The course is structured into several key modules:
1. **Network and Graph Theory**: Introduces fundamental concepts of graph theory, exploring social network structures and the processes influencing edge formation.
2. **Social Choice and Influence**: Discusses how external factors affect social network structures, focusing on homophily and its implications for network formation.
3. **Small World Phenomenon**: Examines the existence of short paths in social networks and introduces models to analyze these connections.
4. **Web Structure and Link Analysis**: Analyzes the structure of the World Wide Web using graph theory concepts, leading to insights into search engine ranking algorithms.
5. **Game Theory**: Introduces basic elements of game theory, exploring concepts like Nash equilibrium and social optimality.
6. **Traffic Flow Games and Auctions**: Applies game theory to model traffic networks and auction scenarios, discussing optimal strategies for participants.
7. **Pricing of Search Engine Ad Spaces**: Discusses pricing mechanisms for online advertising, integrating concepts from matching markets and auction theory.
8. **Relationship Balance**: Explores the balance of relationships within networks, applying mathematical models to analyze power dynamics.
9. **Cascading Behavior in Networks**: Models the spread of new ideas or technologies within networks, considering factors that influence this process.
10. **Conformity and Popularity**: Investigates how individual decisions are influenced by others, revealing insights into the distribution of popularity.
11. **Impact of Information Asymmetry on Markets**: Analyzes how market institutions aggregate and convey information, particularly in the context of quality signaling.
12. **Voting Systems**: Evaluates different voting systems and their effectiveness in aggregating preferences.
### Why You Should Enroll
This course is highly recommended for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and social sciences. It not only provides theoretical knowledge but also practical applications of computational thinking in analyzing social phenomena. The diverse syllabus ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of how networks function and how they can be modeled mathematically.
### Conclusion
Overall, ‘人群与网络’ is a thought-provoking course that challenges students to think critically about the complexities of social interactions and the role of technology in shaping these dynamics. Whether you’re pursuing a career in tech, social research, or economics, this course will enhance your analytical skills and broaden your understanding of the world around you.
### Tags
1. #Coursera
2. #PekingUniversity
3. #SocialSciences
4. #ComputationalThinking
5. #NetworkTheory
6. #GameTheory
7. #OnlineLearning
8. #Interdisciplinary
9. #Economics
10. #Sociology
### Topic
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Social Sciences
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/renqun-wangluo