Knight Lab: Data Analysis & Visualization (377-0-21)
Topic
Intro to Data Journalism
Instructors
Simon Rogers
Meeting Info
Meets in Non-General PurposeRm: Wed 9:00AM - 11:50AM
Overview of class
The course will introduce students to the basics of data journalism in a busy newsroom, showcasing the importance of telling a story and how tools can help you do it.
Data journalism is about using numbers to tell the best story possible. It is not about maths, or drawing charts or even writing code. It is about telling stories first and foremost - the maths and the charts and the code are all in service to that.
The techniques of data journalism change all the time but they are marked out by an abundance of increasingly more accessible tools that allow sophisticated manipulation and analysis of data. The emphasis of this course is on practical skills and the latest developments in data journalism: working with designers, using free charting tools, sourcing and mapping data.
The focus will be less on tools and apps than on how to be a data journalist. How do you generate story ideas? How do you sell them to a news editor? What makes a great data journalist? Students will learn how to generate story ideas and think about how to turn them into a great data journalism project.
The class will meet once a week and will use a flipped format in which students view lecture content and prepare in-class presentations as homework. In addition to participating in class discussions and activities, students will have to complete several data analysis and visualization assignments including creating a data journalism piece.
Registration Requirements
Pre-reqs: Sophomore standing
Class Materials (Required)
None
Class Notes
Course is for SF students only
Class Attributes
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Course meets in San Francisco
No Freshmen
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: This section is currently closed to registration. Please contact the department directly with any questions.
Prerequisite: Medill Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing
Add Consent: Department Consent Required