Uppsala University

The course introduces computational approaches to model human behavior and social phenomena. Core concepts in computational social science are covered, such as observational studies (what types of data exist, possible biases, and how to use data for modeling), basic concepts and techniques for running experiments (asking vs. observing, natural experiments, simulations, validity, and generalization) and discuss key issues such as ethical considerations. The course has both a theoretical and a practical perspective, where you learn basic principles and also how to apply them in practice in three main areas: social network analysis; text analysis; agent-based modeling, and simulation.

With a growing number of unsustainable environmental, economic, and social trends, how can different actors work for sustainable alternatives? How can we develop capacities, strategies and tactics that achieve lasting and real changes in the local and global world? To achieve a more vibrant and participatory sustainable development there is a need for great changes, both on the systemic and individual level. These changes can take the form of fast-moving revolutions, but can also be more reformist initiatives as social entrepreneurship in businesses or taking part in local politics. In the course different actors and their strategies for change, globally and locally, are critiqued and analyzed through discussions with guest lecturers and in workshops with fellow students. In the last part of the course students work on a concrete change project, which builds on the discussions and insights gained during the first part of the course.

The course introduces the topic of monetary systems in theory and in practice. It focuses on how today's international monetary systems have developed historically and, in particular, how today's monetary system may facilitate or impede the transition to a sustainable economy.

Most processes in nature are complex and dynamical. This is also true for many problems encountered by engineers and scientists in their professional life. In this course students get tools to analyse such dynamical systems. They learn to determine if, when, and how chaotic behavior occurs. The course focuses on applications in fields such as physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering. The previous experience of the participants is taken into account and made use of in the course and the examples studied.

This course introduces exchange students to concepts, theories, and perspectives regarding migration, minorities, and multicultural aspects in Swedish history. The focus of the course is on people moving to, from, and within Sweden, and on relations between the majority and minorities, such as the Sami people.

The course offers an orientation of Afro-Swedish relations in the past and the present. The module analyses racism and Afrophobia, culture and cultural creativity, collaborations (research, associations, development cooperation), African role models and stereotypes, migration, and diaspora.

The course examines current problems in contemporary American politics. It focuses on a number of themes such as political polarization, demographics, class, religion, voter turnout, election campaigns, and foreign politics. The themes can vary from semester to semester.

The course focuses on the development of modern Sweden from a political, economic and social perspective, with particular attention to the welfare state and the development of democracy.

This course focuses on the comparative study of the four formerly Communist Central European countries, commonly referred to as the Visegrad Group. The course draws upon students' basic knowledge of current and classic themes of comparative politics and takes these to the next level by analyzing how applicable they are to the region under study where democratic institutions are young. It focuses on historical and current developments in Central Europe, looking at how the legacy of Communist rule shaped the creation of a particular type of political institutions and political actors. The course looks at and compares the systems of legislatures, executives in the four countries and analyses the role of the fragile judiciary systems in the region. Among other topics covered are corruption, democratization, mass protesting, party development as well as changing values. The course briefly looks at the backlash in the European integration process and rise of populism and far-right movements in the region.