Inequality and Segregation: Theory and Measurement, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master´s Programme in Computational Social Science

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree or equivalent in the humanities, social-, cultural-, behavioural-, natural-, computer-, or engineering-sciences.
English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (English 6/B).

45 ECTS credits completed in Computational Social Sciences.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student should at an advanced level be able to:

• explain the ideal properties of segregation and inequality measures
• distinguish different dimensions of segregation, identify measures associated with these dimensions, and evaluate their relevance for analysing segregation across different organizational units
• use computational methods to calculate common measures of inequality and segregation using empirical data and compare measures across places and times
• assess the relative contributions of various mechanisms implicated in inequality and segregation dynamics
• critically examine research on resource inequalities and various forms of segregation
• integrate theories of segregation and inequality and evaluate interrelationships between the two
• formulate research questions of relevance to contemporary research on segregation and inequality

Course content

This course engages with classical and contemporary research on inequality and segregation. The first part of the course explores the concepts and principles of segregation and inequality measurement. Issues related to comparisons across places and times are discussed. During computer laboratories, measures of inequality and segregation are calculated using empirical data and compared. The second part of the course reviews, evaluates, and synthesizes theories positing generative mechanisms underpinning segregation and inequality dynamics. Finally, the connection between inequality and segregation is explored. Special attention is paid to computational methods and their explanatory role in segregation and inequality research. 

Teaching and working methods

The teaching consists of readings, lectures, seminars, and interactive computer labs. Homework and independent studies are a necessary complement to the course.

Language of instruction: English.

Examination

The course is examined through written assignments, completed computer laboratories, and a final individual written assignment. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course's study guide.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it. If the coordinator has instead recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus.

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department