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DA4600 Dark, Light, and Gray Networks

This course focuses on the analysis of dark, light, and gray networks. It consists of four sections. The first introduces the assumptions, concepts, and terms of social network analysis (SNA). The second covers how to record and manipulate social network data: the basics of social network analysis. The third focuses on five different SNA “families” of metrics and/or algorithms: (1) network topography, (2) cohesive subgroups, (3) centrality, power, and prestige, (4) brokers and bridges, and (5) longitudinal networks. (We may also have time to explore two types of computational text mining: (a) semantic network analysis and (b) topic modeling.) The fourth and final section focuses on intervention. Drawing on your analysis, you will develop three strategic approaches: either to disrupt, destabilize, or dismantle a dark network, or to strengthen and enhance the robustness of a light network.

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Formal Analytics, Problem Solving, and Design Applications: Students should (a) develop an enhanced understanding of the assumptions, concepts, and terms of SNA; (b) acquire the necessary skills for recording and manipulating social network data; and (c) use SNA algorithms and metrics to assess conflict, will, motivations, decision-making, and power dynamics.
  • Information Strategy: Students need to demonstrate the ability to craft (at least) three intervention (influence) strategies to disrupt, destabilize, or destroy a dark network or increase the resilience, robustness, and/or efficiency of a light network.
  • Transnational Dark Networks: Students should cultivate an understanding of (a) the dynamics of network proliferation and recent and possible future trends, including trafficking in WMD material; components, humans, drugs, small arms, money, etc.; and (b) the avenues that criminal, terrorist, and other dark networks use to collaborate, unite, or compete.
  • Writing and Presentation: Students should learn to write an effective 15–20 page paper and deliver a 5-10 minute presentation