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Computational Models of Social Systems
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:56:42
Abstract
Thanks to the revolution in information technology, computational modeling is increasingly used as a tool to study social systems. This seminar focuses exclusively on agent-based modeling, which is a particular type of computational methodology that allows the researcher to create, analyze, and experiment with, artificial worlds populated by agents that interact in non-trivial ways. Prior knowledge of programming is not required but highly recommended.
Objective
The students are expected to learn how to create their own agent-based models in order to explore social systems.
Content
The course starts with an introduction to the rationale and principles of agent-based modeling, followed by a brief survey of object-oriented programming in Java. The remainder of the semester focuses on a Java-based simulation framework called Repast. Throughout the semester, examples drawn from political science, economics, and sociology will be covered.
Resources
Literature
A full syllabus will be provided shortly. Recommended introductory readings about agent-based modeling: Axelrod, Robert. 1997. The Complexity of Cooperation: Agent-Based Models of Competition and Collaboration. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Casti, John L. 1997. Would-Be Worlds: How Simulation Is Changing the Frontiers of Science. New York: Wiley. Cederman, Lars-Erik. 1997. Emergent Actors in World Politics: How States and Nations Develop and Dissolve. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Epstein, Joshua M. and Robert Axtell. 1996. Growing Artificial Societies: Social Science From the Bottom Up. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press. Holland, John H. 1995. Hidden Order: How Adaptation Builds Complexity. Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Computational Models of Social Systems |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften (Die Sprachkurse sind nicht mehr im Angebot des D-GESS, sondern im Angebot des Sprachenzentrums der Universität und der ETH Zürich enthalten. Adresse: Predigergasse 9, 8001 Zürich, Tel. 01 632 2958, Fax 01 632 1221 Mail: )
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