Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ECON 436 D100

Seminar in Economics and Social Network Analysis (3)

Class Number: 1815

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 302 or ECON 305, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the field of network economics. The goal is to understand social networks and their influence on economic outcomes. Topics will include how to measure and represent networks, six degrees of separation and small world properties in networks, network formation models, influence of network on economics outcomes such as diffusion of ideas. Students with credit for ECON 483 under the title Social and Economic Networks may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This class will introduce students to the field of network economics. The focus will be both theoretical and empirical. The goal is to understand social networks data, properties and their influence on economic outcomes. Topics will include how to measure and represent networks, six degrees of separation and small world properties in networks, network formation models, influence of network on economic outcomes such as diffusion of ideas. The class will also cover elements of data visualization applied to Networks. We will introduce students to basic Python for this purpose.

Topics:
1. Introduction: Social Networks and Networked Markets
2. Representing and Measuring Networks
a. Definitions
b. Degree distributions
c. Small worlds, clustering and 6 degrees of separation.
d. Homophily
3. Network Formation
a. Random networks.
b. Strategic network formation models
4. Social Networks and Markets
5. Diffusion in Networks (Ideas, epidemics, etc…)

Grading

  • Class participation 5%
  • Graded Assignments 25%
  • Presentation in Clas 20%
  • Exam 1 25%
  • Exam 2 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Menczer, F., Fortunato, S., & Davis, C. A. (2020). A first course in network science. Cambridge University Press.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Platt, E. L. (2019). Network science with Python and NetworkX quick start guide. Packt Publishing.
Additional readings will be from lecture notes, papers and other readings supplied on the Canvas Econ 436 website

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.