Syllabus

TCSS 590: Social Networks

Winter Quarter 2008

Instructor: Ankur Teredesai

Class Meetings: M W 7:30 - 9:45 DOU 210

Textbook:

Course Readings will be provided by the instructor.

References (General suggested reading prior and thru the course):

1. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Malcolm Gladwell, Little, Brown and Company, 2002.

2. Micromotives and Macrobehavior. Thomas C. Schelling, W. W. Norton and Company, 2006.

3. Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Roughcut) by Steven D. Levitt , Stephen J. Dubner.

4. The Computational Beauty of Nature: Computer Explorations of Fractals, Chaos, Complex Systems, and Adaptation: Books: Gary William Flake

Topics:

1.What defines a social network?
2.Mechanism Design, Internet Economics and Incentives
3.Social Trust
4.Social Influence
5.Social Search: A knowledge network perspective
6.Social Networking Platforms: Facebook, Myspace, Open Social and others.
7.Social networks outside the Internet

Grading Policy:

Project (60%), Reading Assignment (20%), Participation (20%)

Characteristics of an A student – Work is consistently outstanding in quality and displays particular insight and creativity. It is consistently presented with exceptional clarity and completeness. (S)he shows academic leadership in class discussions and contributes to others understanding and learning

Characteristics of a B student – Work is consistently complete, the predominance of it is correct, it shows understanding of the material, and it is presented professionally and clearly. (S)he makes regular contributions to class discussions. (S)he is well prepared to use the material in the next course.

Characteristics of a C student – Work is basically complete and correct, and it is presented coherently and completely. (S)he is prepared to use the material in the next course but will likely need additional study in the area. (S)he participates in class discussions.

Drop:

Please check the UWT calendar for the last day to drop the course without special permission. The instructor will appreciate if you let him know your plans to drop as early as possible.

Plagiarism and Cheating Policy:

First offense in any course: Zero on the paper or exam being graded and a permanent entry describing the cheating entered into the student's file.
Second offense in any course: F in the course grade, a permanent entry describing the cheating entered into the student's file, and referral of the cheating to Student Judicial Affairs.

Students are encouraged to collaborate regularly with colleagues to gain a deep understanding of the material, and to gain insight on options for problem solutions. Solutions submitted are to display individual knowledge and accomplishment. Any significant contribution in a submission must be acknowledged and the responsible student or source given due credit. See http://depts.washington.edu/grading/issue1/honesty.htm

Safety Escorts:

Safety escorts are available to accompany you to your vehicle 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call Campus Safety at 2-4416 from a campus phone, and 253-692-4416 from a non-campus phone.

Reporting Emergencies: From campus phones, report emergencies by dialing 9-911 and state the T-number that is on a sticker on the phone; from non-campus phones dial 911. Building location numbers are posted on all buildings. For assistance with non-emergencies call Campus Safety at 2-4416 from a campus phone, and 253-692-4416 from a non-campus phone.

Emergency Procedures: In case of emergency, follow your professor’s instructions. When an alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately. MATT, CP, WG, GWP, and BB buildings assemble in the Cragle Parking Lot south of the library. BHS, WCG, and DOU buildings assemble near the transit station next to the Pinkerton Building on Broadway (across from Spaghetti Factory). Pinkerton occupants go to the convention center parking lot north of Pinkerton. For more information about emergency procedures and information, please go to: http://www.tacoma.washington.edu/safety/

Disability Support: If you would like to request academic accommodations due to a temporary or permanent disability, contact Lisa Tice, Manager for Disability Support Services (DSS) in the Mattress Factory Bldg, Suite 206. An appointment can be made through the front desk of Student Affairs (692-4400), through Student Development and Success (692-4501), by phoning Lisa directly at 692-4493 (voice) or 692-4413 (TTY), or by e-mail ltice@u.washington.edu. Appropriate accommodations are arranged after you've conferred with the DSS Manager and presented the required documentation of your disability to DSS.