Data Journalism Syllabus
JRN 3605 - Temple University, Fall 2019
Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-3:30 p.m., AH002
3 Credit Hours
Instructor: Dylan Freedman
freedmand@temple.edu
(831) 747-4162
Office hours: before and after class, by appointment
Overview
This course explores the emerging field of data journalism. We start by analyzing what data journalism means and what goes into successful data-driven stories. Then, we will dive into three big themes of data journalism: data, visualization, and code. We will look at how to find data, request public records, clean up datasets, and extract what’s newsworthy from a dataset. On the visual side, we will learn about design principles, the power of data visualizations, and tools to create visualizations. Finally, we study coding: how to create basic websites, scrape data, put together interactives, and use search effectively. The course ends with discussions on where the field is heading, news applications, and the joys and dangers in artificial intelligence.
Prerequisites
JRN 1196 | Minimum Grade of C- | May not be taken concurrently.
Class style
I plan to teach each class casually, with a learning / lecturing component, in-class activities, and time to work on projects and ask questions. The content of this class will live on datajourn.com, and I will update it regularly to include the material we cover in class. I haven’t tested out Canvas in depth yet, but I will likely use it for homework submissions and discussion threads. This class will ultimately be flexible. I’d rather instill understanding than try to rush too many topics. We will go at a pace that works best for the class and spend more time in areas students are interested in while still covering the basics.
Class work
This class will be project-based. Rather than work on small homework assignments all the time, students will hone the skills they learn in this class and actually apply them to do real data-driven reporting, visualization, and coding (though there will be exercises every now and then). There will be three smaller projects focused on the different aspects of data journalism, and one final project where a student synthesizes across the skills learned or hones in on a single specialty. In addition, students will be expected to complete readings and tutorials outside of class time. The class will be adaptable based on the students’ areas of expertise and what they want to learn. For example, there is a possibility if students have complementary skills that we could work on a single class project together and function as a mini data-driven newsroom.
Course outline
The working course outline can be found here.
Grading
I am not looking for you mastery of the craft of data journalism so much as genuinely caring to engage. As long as it’s clear that you consistently put effort into what you do and are showing up to class, you should earn full marks. If you are buried with other course work, we can look for ways to combine that work with data journalism in interesting ways. This course is less about perfectly produced pieces with no grammar mistakes and more about trying new and ambitious things, getting your hands dirty, and being creative. A rough rubric (subject to change) is as follows:
- Smaller projects: 30%
- Attendance and participation: 30%
- Final project: 40%
Attendance
Attendance and showing up on time is a sign of respect, not only to me but also to your peers. We learn best when we’re all in it together. Talk to me ahead of time if you have to miss a class, and we can figure out ways for you to catch up.
Policies
There will be a zero tolerance policy for plagiarism of any kind. If you cheat, you will fail the course. Projects should be turned in on time. Talk to me ahead of time if you don’t think you can hit a deadline. For each day a project is turned in late (without talking to me ahead of time), you will lose 10% of your grade for that project.
Instructor
If it hasn’t been made clear, if you have to miss a class or turn an assignment in late, just contact me ahead of time. The key is to communicate. I am willing to meet with students to cover missed class material or play catch-up. If you make the effort to reach out, I’ll be sure to help you out.
Office hours: I’ll try to show up early to every class and stick around for a bit at the end. We can schedule times to meet more in-depth whenever you need or want. My day job is remote, and I live near Temple’s campus, so I’m extremely flexible in that regard. We can also chat, email, or call through your preferred medium.
Course material
There will be no mandatory books for this course, for a number of reasons. 1) There is no definitive text for the field of data journalism, 2) there are a plethora of freely available online resources, and 3) we will emphasize in this course how to search for and find information using free and public resources. Also, I know the struggle of paying for textbooks. Over the course of the class, I will provide several excerpts from books and other resources for the class.
University resources
Disability disclosure statement
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a documented disability, including special accommodations for access to technology resources and electronic instructional materials required for the course, should contact me privately to discuss the specific situation by the end of the second week of classes or as soon as practical. If you have not done so already, please contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) at 215-204-1280 in 100 Ritter Annex to learn more about the resources available to you. I will work with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities.
Basic needs
Any students who face challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support. In the Howard Gittis Student Center, there is now a pantry where students can pick up basic food and supplies, if needed. If you are comfortable in doing so, please speak with me, so that I can help you as best I can.
Mental health
If you are seeking support for mental health needs, please contact Tuttleman Counseling Services. If you feel comfortable doing so, you may also speak with me.
Academic support
The Student Success Center provides free academic support for all Temple students. More information is available by visiting http://www.temple.edu/class/, calling 215-204-0702, or going to the SSC in Charles Library in suite 230 or suite 340.
