(Social) Theory and (Social) Data Science, Contact teaching, Contact teaching

* * *

This course examines what role theory and theoretical concepts have for social data science. Course is based on reading and discussing assigned texts and working on exercises.

Course organisation

Before lectures, students read 2-3 academic articles focused on the meaning of theory and illustrating how theory is used or can be used in social data science. After lectures, students further read and discuss lectures online and there are two individual written assignments.

For details, see course syllabus(Opens in a new tab).

Learning goals

• Students can quote different meanings theory have in social sciences
• Students can identify different positions on theory from empirical papers
• Students can describe how different meanings of theory impact the research and analysis work
• Students can formulate research design based on different positions on theory
• Students reflect what purpose theory serves for them

* * *