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Networks and Groups Dynamics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:27
Abstract
Groups are ubiquitous in society and profoundly influence people's behaviour, attitudes, and opinions and how they interact and create social relationships. Social network researchers have always been interested in understanding what groups are, their formation, and their societal implications (e.g., for creative work, feeling integrated into a community, achieving common goals).
Objective
This seminar examines sociological, anthropological, management and social-psychological network research to identify how groups affect individuals and their social behaviour. By the end of this seminar, students will be able to identify and compare different approaches to group theories through the lens of social network research. They will be familiar with the development and recent publications in the fields of social networks and social science and will be able to critically participate in several open debates in these fields. Among others, these debates are centred around the types and measurement of groups, challenges in understanding what groups are, the effects of groups on people’s feelings, thoughts, preferences, and behaviours (e.g., identification), and how social and cultural phenomena emerge (e.g., the diffusion of culture and the spread of social movements).
Content
The following topics will be covered: - What is a group? - Social circles and groups in modern society. - Emergence of cohesive subgroups and cognitive dissonance - Clan, kinship, social roles, and communities - Identification and self-categorisation with groups - Teams, leaders, and their performance - Social influence and the conformity to social norms - Collecting data to analyse groups These topics will be discussed considering the development of these topics through a social network perspective, recent research, and their measurement and analysis.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 30
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Networks and Groups Dynamics |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )
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