[Current] 04 *NEW* Visual Communication of Data - Spring 2025
Watch the course preview video
Class Number:
760-01
INSTRUCTOR:
TIME:
Wednesdays, 6-8:30 PM
LOCATION:
GLS House, 2114 Campus Drive
Description:
Data visualization is the transformation of raw, quantitative data into tables, charts, animations, or other visual mediums to reveal insights and trends. Examples of visual communication with data are everywhere: the star-rating system for online reviews, progress rings on fitness trackers/watches, and public dashboards, to name a few. The Visual Communication of Data course will explore topics related to the effective interpretation and communication of visualized data.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss key issues in data ethics.
- Evaluate data presented in real-world contexts.
- Organize data to better identify trends or new opportunities for inquiry.
- Create data visualizations of quantitative data (such as pie-charts, bar graphs, line graphs, maps, etc.)
- Communicate data visually using infographics.
Major course deliverables:
- A data-based infographic on the student’s choice of topic
- A 15-minute, data-based presentation (on the same topic as the infographic)
- An online dissemination of the communicated data (e.g. blog, webpage, linked from Duke Scholars page, social media)
This course is appropriate for any graduate student interested in engaging with data in a real-world context. No previous experience with data or computer software is required to take this rigorous, student-friendly course. Graduate Liberal Studies students may find the data skills developed in this course especially useful as they complete their Master’s Project.
Art, Art History and Visual Studies, Communications