Study Complexity through Multiple Disciplines
Some of our affiliated faculty are offering courses that address a variety of issues in complexity science. The following list of courses represents various schools and departments. For a complete listing of available courses, we encourage you to search ASU’s schedule via ASU Interactive or www.asu.edu/schedule.
All course decisions should be made with input from your faculty advisors.
Courses Available Spring 2009
CSDC Readings in Complexity SeminarClick Here for Schedule
The Center for Social Dynamics and Complexity is offering a variable credit graduate seminar in Complexity Science. The seminar will be held in conjunction with the weekly Readings in Complexity general seminar that has be ongoing since the CSDC began operating in 2006. Each Thursday from 12:00 until 1:00, we will review and discuss a selected reading that addresses a critical aspect of complexity science. Consistent with the focus of the CSDC, emphasis will be on the theoretical and computational modeling of sociality.
Within the framework of this emphasis, we will examine the role of data in model conceptualization and construction, quantitative analysis of social systems, system ontologies, scaling across systems, the role of computational methods in model construction, and the concept of emergence. Readings will be multidisciplinary – reflecting the varied research areas of the faculty members overseeing the seminar. In the forthcoming semester, Spring 2009, Dieter Armbruster (Mathematics and Statistics), Jennifer Fewell (SOLS), and William Griffin (SSFD) will jointly select the readings and supervise students. Credit can range from 1-3 hours; expectations and performance requirements will vary by credit taken.
| School/Department | Course Number | Line Number |
| SHESC | ASM 591 | 27472 |
| SOLS | BIO 591 | 27232 |
| SSFD | FAS 591 | 27184 |
School of Human Evolution and Social Change
ASB 430 - Social Simulation
Instructor: Marco Janssen
Description: An introduction to the use of computer simulation to study social phenomena like diffusion of information and evolution of cooperation. Different techniques like system dynamics, cellular automata and agent-based models are discussed. Examples of applications in different social sciences are provided. Hands on exercises are given to learn to make simple simulation models. Website: http://www.public.asu.edu/~majansse/edu/socialsimulation09.htm
ESS 613 - Institutions, Society and the Environment
Instructors: Marco Janssen and Amber Wutich
Description: Institutions, rules that structure interactions between people, are studied by various disciplines including political science, economics, sociology and anthropology. The analysis of how institutions are formed, how they operate and change, and how they influence behavior in society is the focus of this course. We will discuss the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework and the application of game theory to study institutions. We will also cover experimental research and individual decision making. Students will learn to identify the diversity of institutions that we use to govern our lives, and to apply a number of analytical tools to understand the implications of different types of institutional arrangements, especially in the context of natural resource and environmental management.
Website: http://www.public.asu.edu/~majansse/edu/instsocenv09.htm
ASM 455 - Primate Behavior Laboratory
Instructor: Leanne T. Nash
Description: Instruction and practice in methods of observation and analysis of primate behavior. Discusses the relationship between class work on captive animals and field techniques for studying free-ranging groups. Please note: If you are a biology/zoology student with an interest and background in animal behavior or someone interested in quantifying observed behavior in humans, this class will be helpful for you. If you don’t have the prerequisite of ASM 343 Primatology, DO contact Nash about an override into the class.
School of Computing and Informatics
CSE-561 - Modeling and Simulation Theory and Application
Instructor: Hessam S. Sarjoughian
Description: The course covers modeling and simulation concepts and discrete-event in particular. Application of theories, methods, and practices are covered during the semester. The course materials are divided into two parts. The first part provides background review and discussion on systems modeling concepts and overview of object-oriented programming languages. This first part contains comprehensive discussions on how to formulate and execute (simulate) models in a software engineering-like lifecycle. During this part, students are engaged in details study of modeling elements, simulation protocols, and their relationships including verification and validation. In-class description of modeling and simulation techniques will be illustrated by examples developed in the SESM/CM (Scaleable Entity Structure Modeler with Complexity Measures) modeling and DEVSJAVA simulation environments. During the semester students will gain hands-on experience (via homework assignments and projects). Students will create increasingly more complex models, which can be subsequently simulated and analyzed. The second part focuses on selected advanced topics aiding individual and team members’ projects. An important part of the course experience is through the class project. Each project involves demonstrating the application of course concepts, theory, and techniques (see Project section below) to student’s application of interest. Students may also choose to focus on M&S methodologies and theories.
Website: http://www.eas.asu.edu/~hsarjou/Courses/coursesCSE.htm.
School of Geographical Sciences
GPH591 - Geographic Agent-Based Modeling
Instructor: Dr. Paul M. Torrens
Description: This is an upper-level seminar focused on agent-based modeling and its use in geographic research. The specific focus of the course is to examine the uses of agent-based modeling for studying movement behavior. As with most upper-level courses, this seminar will focus heavily on current literature on these topics. Students should view the course as an opportunity to explore the literature and state-of-the-art in this area, with a view to developing their own research in this field.
Website: GPH591 - Syllabus (*.pdf).
School of Politics and Global Studies
POS 598 - Collective Action
Combined with: SGS 498 (25348) click here
At least since the publication of Mancur Olson’s The Logic of Collective Action in 1965, social scientists have puzzled about the roots of collective action. Whereas prior to Olson, it was assumed that people sharing grievances would be motivated to engage in collective action to pursue their common interests, Olson challenged this assumption. After the free-rider problem was explicated, it was generally understood that collective action was much more problematic than had formerly been appreciated. This course will survey the responses to and recent amendments to collective action theory. Students will then be required to write a paper applying a version of the theory to one or more empirical cases of collective action.
Readings include:
Mancur Olson, The Logic of Collective Action
Michael Hechter, Principles of Group Solidarity
Elinor Ostrom, Governing the Commons
Mark Lichbach, The Rebel’s Dilemma
Dora Costa and Matthew Kahn, Heroes and Cowards