Sociotechnical Studies of Data Science

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course provides an introduction to the emergent field of social studies of data-intensive analytics for the examination of how "things are done with data." The goal is to cover a wide range of examples and practical applications to introduce questions of design and implementation, privacy and surveillance, as well as governance and stewardship of digital tools and infrastructures. Following the performative aspect of data, we will explore social, technical, political, and economic dynamics that involve data extraction, sharing, literacy, and analysis. From little to big data practices, we will examine at the interface level the professional and institutional applications, development histories, and current political economy of data to situate ourselves as engaged technologists and researchers, not detached critics or passive users. There are no prerequisites for this course: no previous experience in statistics or programming is needed, but independent study of the supplementary materials we provide is highly encouraged.