AMS 313, Communicating with data
Catalog Description: This course explores the principles and practices of effective data communication,
emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and audience-tailored design. Students will gain hands-on
experience with commom visualization software while learning to critique and select
appropriate visualization techniques for different datasets. The course will also
focus on applying ethical standards in data representation and on storytelling techniques
to present data in coherent narratives. By the end of the course, students will be
equipped to create impactful visualizations and to communicate data clearly and responsibly
in professional settings.
Prerequisite: AMS Major; AMS 310
INITIAL OFFERING: Spring 2026
3 credits
A,B,C grading
SBC: SPK, WRTD
Course does NOT have the GPNC option.
REQUIRED Textbook: None
RECOMMENDED Textbooks:
- "How Charts Lie" by Alberto Cairo (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393358429/)
- "Fundamentals of Data Visualization" by Claus O. Wilke (https://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Data-Visualization-Informative-Compelling/dp/1492031089/ref=sr_1_1). Please also note to the students that there is a free online version of this book at https://clauswilke.com/dataviz/. Only the print version costs money (and is worth it!).
- "Calling Bullshit" by Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West (https://www.amazon.com/Calling-Bullshit-Skepticism-Data-Driven-World/dp/0525509208/ref=sr_1_1)