Syllabus: Visualizing & Communicating Data
| Course | MSER 521: Visualizing and Communicating Data |
| Instructor | Dr. Sarah Van Wart (svanwart@unca.edu) |
| Credits | 3 Credit Hours |
| Time & Location | Tu/Th, 3:15-4:55PM in Zeis Hall, Rm. 203 |
| Office Hours | Mon, Wed & Fri, 2:30 - 3:30 PM (or by appointment) In Rhoades-Robinson, Rm. 220 |
| Texts |
Most of the readings are available online with the exception of the Tufte book, which you will need to purchase:
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Course Description
This course applies principles from Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and information visualization to the design of interactive data tools and systems. Through hands-on projects, case studies, and research papers, students will explore the effectiveness of data systems in environmental planning from multiple perspectives. Students will learn how to select between different visual displays of information; assess the usability and effectiveness of data interfaces; communicate data insights through clear, compelling narratives; and understand the possibilities and challenges of using interactive data tools to inform public planning.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate with data effectively to different stakeholders / audiences
- Analyze and critique data sources and underlying assumptions
- Apply principles of effective visual design and perception to data communication
- Apply UX/UI principles to evaluate, test, and refine based on user feedback
- Develop technical fluency with data analysis and visualization tools
- Understand both the possibilities and limits of using data to represent complex problems
Topics
- Please see the course schedule
Assessment
- Participation & Attendance: 15%
- Labs: 20%
- Homework: 25%
- Midterm Exam: 15%
- Final Project: 25%
1. Participation (15%)
We will use classroom discussion as a form of collaborative sense-making to understand, critique, and interrogate the required course readings. Your timely and engaged attendance at every class is thus very important – both for you and for your classmates. Every student will need to participate in a thoughtful and productive manner in order for these discussions to be effective. Building on and reacting to other participants’ comments is encouraged, and should be done in a respectful tone even if you disagree. In order to participate fully, please do not let your laptop, phone, or other devices distract you or other participants.
You are allowed two absences during the semester, no questions asked. You should reserve these absences for emergency or illness. After two absences, your grade will be impacted.
2. Labs (20%)
We will have roughly 8 labs that are designed to help you work with the tools, technologies, and techniques that can be used to analyze and create data displays and narratives.
Labs will be graded according to the following scale (from 0-3 points):
| Points | Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0pts | Not attempted | Assignment not submitted. |
| 1pt | Check Minus | Assignment attempted but less than half of it was completed correctly. |
| 2pts | Check | Most of the assignment was completed; works as expected. |
| 3pts | Check Plus | Assignment completed. Works as expected. |
Labs are designed to be completed during class. That said, you may have a week to turn them in. I do not accept late labs.
3. Homework (25%)
We will have roughly 4 homework assignments that will ask you to apply the theories and principles learned in class to analyze a series of "real world" contexts and scenarios.
4. Midterm Exam (15%)
There will be an in-class midterm exam that will ask you to apply the perspectives and principles from the readings. Doing the readings and engaging in class discussions is the best way to prepare for the midterm.
5. Final Project (25%)
This class will also have a final project, to be completed in groups. The project will involve creating a data-intensive information campaign around a topic of your choice.
Late Policy
- No late labs or project deliverables will be accepted.
- Homework submitted up to 1 week after it is due will be assigned a 20% penalty. Any work received after that will not be accepted.
Draft Generative AI Policy
To be refined in class...
Students shall…
- Give credit to AI tools whenever used, even if only to generate ideas rather than usable text or code.
- When using AI tools on assignments, add an appendix showing:
- The entire exchange, highlighting the most relevant sections
- Description of precisely which AI tools were used (e.g. ChatGPT private subscription version, CoPilot, etc.)
- An explanation of how the AI tools were used (e.g. to generate ideas, understand functions or coding ideas, etc.)
- An account of why AI tools were used (e.g. to save time, to to stimulate thinking, to handle mounting stress, to clarify prose, to experiment for fun, etc.).
- Not use AI tools during in-class examinations unless explicitly permitted and instructed.
- Use AI tools wisely and intelligently, aiming to deepen understanding of subject matter and to support learning.
I (Sarah) shall…
- Seek to understand the strengths and weaknesses or AI tools for teaching and learning, to optimize their value for student learning.
- Impose a significant penalty for:
- Using code that you do not understand and/or cannot clearly explain.
- Low-energy or unreflective reuse of material generated by AI tools and/or merely reproducing the output from AI tools.
This policy recognizes that…
- This policy depends on goodwill, a sense of fairness, and honorable character.
- This policy takes account of the existence of subscription versions of AI tools, which are not affordable for some students; the policy may need to be revised as the differences between subscription and free versions become better understood.
- This policy may be revised in light of other policies and novel technological developments in AI tools.
University Policies & Resources
Office of Accessibility & Academic Accommodations
UNC Asheville is committed to providing accessible learning environments and equal opportunity to individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you are a student experiencing barriers to access or full participation in this course on the basis of a disability, contact the Office of Accessibility (OA) to apply for reasonable accommodations and discuss available resources. You may contact the OA at academicaccess@unca.edu or 828-251-6292 or visit Zageir Hall Room 120.
To discuss approved academic accommodations, please contact me as early in the semester as possible and provide your letter of accommodation (LOA) from the OA. I want to ensure that we have adequate time and a confidential setting to discuss and arrange your approved accommodations. Accommodations are not retroactive and will be implemented when the LOA is discussed.
Promoting Gender Equity, Responding to Sexual Misconduct
UNC Asheville is dedicated to cultivating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment, free from harassment and discrimination. We strive to ensure that all have equal access to the educational and employment opportunities the University provides. If you or someone you know has been affected by sex-based harassment or sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking, please know that help and support are available. UNC Asheville strongly encourages all members of the community to take action, seek support, and report incidents of sexual harassment to the Office for Institutional Integrity & Access (OIIA). You may contact the OIIA or Heather Lindkvist, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Title IX Coordinator, directly at 828.232.5658 or via titleix@unca.edu or learn more by visiting the Title IX website.
As a faculty member, I am a “responsible employee” and private resource. This means that if you share any information or discuss an incident with me regarding sexual or gender-based harassment, I must disclose this information to the Title IX Coordinator. Our goal is to ensure you are aware of the range of options available to you and have access to the resources you may need.
If you wish to speak with a confidential resource, contact University Health and Counseling Services at 828.251.6520. Off-campus confidential resources include Our Voice (24-Hour Hotline at 828.255.7576) and Helpmate (24-Hour Hotline at 828.254.0516).
Protection from Harassment and Discrimination
Maintaining welcoming, respectful, and equitable living, learning, and working environments is a shared responsibility at UNC Asheville. All community members are expected to engage respectfully, foster free expression, recognize diverse viewpoints, and protect against harm. Discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation are prohibited in all educational programs and employment opportunities.
The Office for Institutional Integrity and Access (OIIA) advances these efforts and provides support to any community member who seeks assistance regarding unlawful discrimination, barriers to access, or unwelcome conduct. Individuals may contact the OIIA to report an allegation of discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on their actual or perceived status, including age, race, color, national origin, religion (including belief or non-belief), disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy or related conditions, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected status.
For guidance or to report concerns, contact Heather Lindkvist, Assistant Vice Chancellor, directly at 828.232.5658 or at hlindkvi@unca.edu or in Highsmith 116. Learn more by visiting the OIIA website.
Religious Accommodations
UNC Asheville accords students, on an individual basis, the opportunity to observe their traditional religious holy days. Students desiring to observe a religious holy day of special importance must notify me directly (suggested time frames: two weeks of the start of the semester or at least seven business days in advance of the scheduled observance). The request should be made in writing and should state (1) the specific accommodation being requested, (2) the religious practice or belief the student holds, (3) how the requested accommodation enables the student to participate in their religious practice or belief, and (4) the date(s) and/or frequency of the requested accommodation. We will then meet to discuss what reasonable accommodation will be implemented, such as options for missed discussions, exams, or other assignments. You are entitled to make up assignments without penalty due to an excused absence for a religious observance. Students may request a minimum of two excused absences per academic year for religious observances. The Office for Institutional Integrity & Access is available as a resource if students or faculty have questions about this process.
Academic Alerts
Faculty at UNC Asheville have access to an Academic Alert system. The purpose of this system is to support communication with students about their progress in courses, especially if there are concerns (e.g., academic difficulty, attendance problems). Professors use the Alert system because they are invested in their students’ success. Entering an academic alert is a great way to supplement open conversations between instructors and students about how students can improve their academic performance.
Alerts should not replace your direct outreach to and communication with the student. They are intended to serve as a way to document your concern and outreach and/or activate the larger support system for the student as needed. Hence, an alert should only be entered after the instructor has reached out to the student directly.
When a faculty member submits an alert that expresses a concern, the student receives outreach from their academic advisor or the team in the Office of Academic Advising. Students are no longer receiving automated notification emails when an alert is submitted. It is in the student's best interest to address the alert quickly, as students who do so are more likely to earn credit for the course. Questions about the Academic Alert system can be directed to Anne Marie Roberts (amrober1@unca.edu) in the Academic Success Center.
Academic Honesty
The university’s policy on academic honesty states that “As a community of scholars dedicated to learning and the pursuit of knowledge UNC Asheville relies on the honesty and academic integrity of all the members of its community. Any act of plagiarism or cheating is academic dishonesty. A person who knowingly assists another in cheating is likewise guilty of cheating. According to the instructor’s view of the gravity of the offense, a student may be punished by a failing grade or a grade of zero for the assignment or test, or a failing grade in the course. If it seems warranted, the instructor may also recommend to the Provost dismissal or other serious university sanction.” I expect that you will exercise integrity in all quizzes, exams, and written assignments. Please email me or pop in during student hours if you have additional questions or need clarification on any point. You can find additional information regarding the policy and potential grievance procedures here: https://studenthandbook.unca.edu/student-conduct/academic-misconduct-and-grievances-procedures/