CS 6570 Social Computing Systems Syllabus Sketch for Spring 2024 University of Vermont (UVM) === Instructor: Dr. Jeremiah Onaolapo Class Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30pm--4:45pm Prerequisites/Corequisites: Proficiency in graph theory and computer programming (preferred language: Python). To that end, knowledge of CS 3240 (or equivalent) and CS 2300 (or equivalent) will be assumed. Note: This tentative syllabus is subject to change. Course Description === Online social networks (OSNs)—under the general umbrella of social computing systems—are almost indispensable in our daily lives. Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook are a few of the many OSNs that keep us connected to our peers. OSNs also entertain us and keep us informed about what is going on in the world. However, OSNs come with their own share of problems, and have been subject to a considerable amount of scrutiny in recent times. For instance, OSNs have been subject to new forms of security and safety vulnerabilities, some of which have caused harms to individuals, groups, and societies (e.g., attempts at the manipulation of elections via the abuse of OSNs). Other types of social computing systems, such as microblogging systems, social recommendation systems, and social reputation-driven systems, have also suffered a similar fate. In this course, we will examine the underlying nature/structure of social computing systems (especially via the mathematical notion of graphs). We will explore various issues that have plagued social computing systems over the years, and study multiple ways by which malicious actors have abused them. We will also explore the methods by which researchers investigate social computing systems—via a systematic, empirical lens. Course Learning Objectives === We will: 1. Examine the underlying nature/structure of social computing systems (especially via the mathematical notion of graphs). 2. Explore various issues that have plagued social computing systems over the years—along with the countermeasures that have been deployed over time. 3. Explore the methods by which researchers investigate social computing systems—via a systematic, empirical lens. Section Expectations === We will study and discuss research papers on social computing systems. Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours a week on coursework outside of class, with additional time for the semester-long group project. Coursework/assessment will incorporate the exploration and analysis of models and data drawn from real and synthetic social information systems. Group project work will be required. Students should also expect to lead some discussions and deliver presentations in class. Evaluation === * Grades are based on: Attendance and participation, in-class discussions of research papers, written paper reviews (weekly), and a group project. Note: There is no exam/final exam in this course. Required Course Materials - Research Papers === * A pool of research papers will be announced at the beginning of the semester. All of those papers are publicly available (for free). Required Course Materials - Textbooks === * None. You do not have to purchase any textbook for this course. Recommended Course Materials - Textbook === The recommended textbook is the following (available online, free): * Easley, D., & Kleinberg, J. (2010). Networks, crowds, and markets: Reasoning about a highly connected world. Cambridge University Press. Tentative Schedule of Topics === Note: This list is subject to change. * Social Graphs * Interaction Graphs * Privacy Issues * Identity Theft and Phishing * Social Reputation (e.g., PageRank) * Social Bots * Social Spam * Social Malware * Malicious Crowdsourcing (Crowdturfing) * Fake/Compromised Social Accounts * Hate Speech * Disinformation and Misinformation * Affective Polarization and Echo Chambers * Data Ethics * Information Flow Grading === In-class paper discussions 10% Weekly paper reviews 30% Group project 60% --------------------------------------------- Total 100% --------------------------------------------- The minimum passing grade is 70%. Exams === There will be no exams for this course. There is no final exam. [NB: Last updated Oct. 27, 2023]