COMS 484: Data Visualization for Communication
Credit Hours: (3)
Note(s): Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course. May be repeated, but no more than 9 hours of COMS 484 and/or COMS 450 may be taken for credit.
Provides specific, directed activity for advanced students in Web production, editing, and other experiential learning.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course is an introduction to the principles, tools, and techniques for data visualization. Visualizations are graphical depictions of data that can improve comprehension, communication, and decision making. .
Detailed Description of the Conduct of Course
Portfolios are administrated and managed by faculty within the University. Depending on the size of the class, portfolios will have a variety of formats, lecture, seminar and small groups. All portfolios will have major practical components built into them, and provide an opportunity for students to take on organizational roles and to publish or broadcast their creative products through real world media outlets. In most cases, students will receive feedback about their work from media professionals in their field, who will be brought into the university to evaluate their work.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. To provide hands-on experience for advanced students
2. To prepare students for real world working environments
3. To introduce students to future employers in managerial positions
4. To provide outside evaluation of products by media professionals
5. To encourage cooperative team efforts in which leadership is exercised
6. To develop portfolios of students' work in preparation for job searches
Assessment Measures
Some portfolios may be administered on a contractual basis. Grades will be based on the completion of given number of assignments. Highest grades will be awarded for work published/broadcast on local media outlets. Some students may be given leadership roles and evaluated according to the completion of designated tasks.
Review and Approval
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
Clay Waite, Chair
May, 2011
Revised June, 2023