Mason A. Porter - Böcker

The spread of memes and misinformation on social media, political redistricting, gentrification in urban communities, pedestrian movement in crowds, and the dynamics of voters are among the many social phenomena that researchers investigate in the field of complex systems. In the study of complex social systems, there is also often societal relevance to improving our understanding of how individuals interact with each other and their environment, giving rise to collective group dynamics. The mathematical and computational study of complex social systems relies on and motivates the development of methods in many topics, including mathematical modeling, data analysis, network science, and topology and geometry. This volume is a collection of a variety of articles about complex social systems. This collection includes both (1) survey and tutorial articles that introduce complex social systems and methods to study them and (2) manuscripts with original research that highlight a variety of mathematical areas and applications. In short, this book introduces the study of complex social systems to a broad mathematical audience. It will be of particular interest to people who are interested in applied mathematics.

Around the globe, there is an increasingly urgent need to provide opportunities for learners to embrace complexity; to develop the many skills and habits of mind that are relevant to today's complex and interconnected world; and to make learning more connected to our rapidly changing workplace and society. This presents an opportunity to (1) leverage new paradigms for understanding the structure and function of teaching and learning communities, and (2) to promote new approaches to developing methods, curricular materials, and resources. Network science - the study of connectivity - can play an important role in these activities, both as an important subject in teaching and learning and as a way to develop interconnected curricula.Since 2010, an international community of network science researchers and educators has come together to raise the global level of network literacy by applying ideas from network science to teaching and learning. Network Science in Education -which refers to both this community and to its activities - has evolved in response to the escalating activity in the field of network science and the need for people to be able to access the field through education channels.Network Science In Education: Transformational Approaches in Teaching and Learning appeals to both instructors and professionals, while offering case studies from a wide variety of activities that have been developed around the globe: the creation of entirely new courses and degree programs; tools for K-20 learners, teachers, and the general public; and in-depth analysis of selected programs. As network-based pedagogy and the community of practice continues to grow, we hope that the book's readers will join this vibrant network education community to build on these nascent ideas and help deepen the understanding of networks for all learners.