Page for the class: https://github.com/aarushisahejpal/data-driven-journalism
COMM-418/618: Data Driven Journalism
Tuesdays, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
School of Communication, American University
Spring 2024
McKinley Building T14
Prof. Aarushi Sahejpal
Professorial Lecturer, American University's School of Communication
Data Editor, Investigative Reporting Workshop
Office: MCK 112
Personal Info: aarushisahejpal.com
Email: Canvas email only, please
Office Hours: calendly.com/profsahejpal
Data-Driven Journalism (3) This course reviews the history and trends in computer-assisted reporting. The course provides students with the basic skill in using spreadsheets, databases, programming, and data visualization in a journalistic context. Crosslist: COMM-618. Usually Offered: spring. Grading: A-F only. Prerequisite: COMM-320. Restriction: Communication, Language, and Culture (BA), Communication: Communication Studies (BA), or Communication: Journalism (BA).
We will use Github as our anchor for files, assignments, and everything! It is also used by data teams at newsrooms, and I want to introduce you to it. The only time we will use Canvas is Week 1 (1/14). Make sure you make an account on the platform before Week 2 (1/21), where I will teach you how to use it.
| Assignment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Attendance and Participation | 20% |
| Project w/ Partner | 50% |
| Assignments | 30% |
If you are in 618, you will be required to do one more reflection!
There is not a required text. If I assign any required readings, I will upload the pdf to Canvas.
This class is built around a partnership with a publication. We will establish our deadlines together once we spread out our tasks on Tuesday, January 21st.
Attendance is required, especially since this year we have a newsroom that is relying on us. 50% of your grade is our work with this newsroom. Most of what you will learn in this class will be through lectures and in-class exercises, so it is imperative that you come. Unless it is worked out with me, any absence will deduct your participation points.
Deadlines matter. I pride myself in being flexible and understanding of the things that can impact due-dates but in the newsroom, meeting a deadline matters significantly. If you need an adjustment on something, talk to me --- let's work it out. Assignments are always due by start of class.
Reach out to me if you need anything. I am here for you.
Diversity & Inclusion is very important to me. I consider the fact that I am standing up here and teaching this class to be an example of how important it is that everyone is welcome in my class. You should look for stories beyond the norms of what you think you know, and attempt to shed light on voices that are often times not heard.
Professionalism & Academic conduct is extremely important. Standards of academic conduct are set forth in the University's academic integrity code (http://www.american.edu/academics/integrity/) and the Society of Professional Journalists' code of ethics (http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp). By registering, you have acknowledged your awareness of the Academic Integrity Code, and you are obliged to become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. Plagiarism, as well as other ethical violations, will be dealt with harshly, including possible dismissal from the program and/or failure in the course and a notation of such on the permanent academic record.
In the event of an emergency, American University will implement a plan for meeting the needs of all members of the university community (http://www.american.edu/emergency/). Should the university be required to close for a period of time, we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of our educational programs will be delivered to our students. These may include altering and extending the duration of the traditional term schedule to complete essential instruction in the traditional format and/or use of distance instructional methods. Specific strategies will vary from class to class, depending on the format of the course and timing of the emergency. Faculty will communicate class-specific information to students via AU e-mail and Blackboard, while students must inform their faculty immediately of any absence. Students are responsible for checking their AU e-mail regularly and keeping themselves informed of emergencies. In the event of an emergency, students should refer to the AU Student Portal, the AU Web site (www.prepared.american.edu) and the AU information line at (202) 885-1100 for general university-wide information, as well as contact their faculty and/or respective dean's office for course and school/college-specific information.
| Week | HW (assigned that day) |
|---|---|
| Week 1 (1/14): Welcome – Async. We are not meeting. This week is the only time we will use Canvas! | 1. Fill out this survey for me to get to know you. 2. Make an account on Github. Email me if you have any questions about this. 3. one-assignment Interrogate the data assignment. Submit on Canvas |