30319 - QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES (MODULE I - MATHEMATICS)
Department of Decision Sciences
Course taught in English
code 30319 code 30320 ‘Quantitative methods for social sciences - Module 2 (Statistics)’ are respectively the first and the second module of the course code 30318 ‘Quantitative methods for social sciences
Go to class group/s: 44
Course Director:
MARGHERITA CIGOLA
MARGHERITA CIGOLA
Mission & Content Summary
MISSION
During the last decades an important evolution has been registered in the study of Social Sciences, such as Sociology and Political Science. These disciplines were cultivated in the past using almost always qualitative techniques and statistical analysis. Currently, the literature uses rather massively also some non-trivial mathematical models in the analysis of socio-political scenarios. Some examples are Arab Springs, Grexit, political consensus dynamics and connection between tools and objectives in political choices. The well-known UK program “Q-Step,” supporting the introduction of quantitative courses in programs oriented to Social Sciences, constitutes another relevant signal of the aforementioned evolution. The mission of this course is to introduce some mathematical tools useful in Social Science, to see how they can be used for the construction of models, and to use these models to support the understanding of socio-political issues.
CONTENT SUMMARY
The structure course contains three pillars:
- Linear Algebra; the first one is a quick introduction to Linear Algebra and to its application in Politics. Several models are presented, together with their implementation.
- Differential and Integral Calculus; the second pillar is a crash-introduction to Differential and Integral Calculus, with various applications in Economics, NGO management. Basic applications to Statistics are presented too.
- Dynamic Systems; the last pillar of the course consists in seeing how quantitative and qualitative approaches to the study of Dynamic Systems do constitute a powerful tool for the analysis of socio-political questions. The approach privileges intuition rather than formal mathematical rigor. Special attention is given to model construction.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the course student will be able to...
- Select the appropriate model to describe phenomena which are relevant in Social Sciences
- Recognize the correct methodology for solving optimization problems
- Define a motion law and explain its meaning
- Understand and explain the meaning of a phase diagram
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the course student will be able to...
- Apply calculus to analyze the main properties of a function and to solve optimization problems
- Argue the asymptotic behaviour of a dynamical model and interpret the resulting scenarios
- Develop a convenient quantitative model to describe Social phenomena
- Apply integral calculus to solve basic ODE and discuss the behaviour and the meaning of its solutions
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Practical Exercises
DETAILS
A number of online "Skill quizlet" are available in Blackboard. They are organized by topic and allow students to self-test their understanding and skills.
Assessment methods
| Continuous assessment | Partial exams | General exam | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
x | x |
ATTENDING AND NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS
Assessment, both for attending and non-attending students, is based entirely on the written exam.
Students may take one general written exam (100% of the grade) or two partial written exams (50% of the grade each).
The written exams are divided into open-ended and multiple-choice questions. The exam aims to verify:
- The ability to develop the convenient model to describe the required phenomena;
- The knowledge of differential calculus and the ability to apply it for solving the assigned optimization problem;
- The ability to find equilibria and argue the asymptotic behaviour of the assigned dynamical model;
- The knowledge of integral calculus and the ability to apply it to solve the assigned ODE.
Teaching materials
ATTENDING AND NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS
- L. PECCATI, M. D'AMICO, M. CIGOLA, Mathematics for Social Sciences, Springer, NY, 2018.
- Exercises and any further material available on Blackboard.
Last change 26/05/2024 10:08