ALS 1210

Data Democratization

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

Access to quality data and information is at the heart of an informed and engaged populace. However, the skills required to process and make sense of data have historically been disproportionately held by state and corporate actors who often possess more resources to collect, store and analyze data than everyday people. This is particularly true in the context of surveillance technology, where use of data collected from such means is not equitably distributed, or equally advantageous. Through a framework of data democratization, this class will equip students with the skills needed to critically interrogate and use authentic data from a variety of open data sources to inform their personal decisions, including civic engagement and issue advocacy.

When Offered Fall.

• Describe the strengths and limitations of different quantitative and qualitative data types (e.g., self-report data; observational/trace data; testing data, etc.) and be able to select those most suitable for their research question or need.
• Identify three sources of open and reusable datasets and locate one dataset based on student interest.
• Explain how various social factors (economic, cultural, political and personal) influence the production, preservation and use of data, and marginalize the perspectives, histories, and research of certain human communities.
• Utilize open-source or otherwise free tools for simple data cleanup, analysis and visualization.

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