This course introduces students to the interplay between data and its surrounding societal context. It will cover the basics of data science, focusing on the ethical, legal, and social implications of data and  algorithms. Students will learn to conceptualize and evaluate practical applications of data science in communication, information, and media contexts.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Develop the ability to assess and articulate the relevance of data for a particular organizational or societal problem.
• Identify frameworks for understanding the impact of data on society and that of society on data.
• Explain the background of quantification and data-fication, including its social and political purposes.
• Analyze and critique the ethical, legal, and social implications of data collection, data processing, and algorithm development.
• Design practical applications of data science in communication, information, and media contexts in ways that are sensitive to social, structural and political economic concerns.
• Communicate data science outputs to relevant audiences with attention to their contexts.