NMDS
5517

Projects: Transforming Data

Schools of Public Engagement: Media

Non-Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Graduate Course
Degree Students
Projects: Transforming Data
Spring 2025
Taught By: Jonathan Thirkield
Section: A

CRN: 2823

Credits: 3

From data capture to data visualization, the process of data transformation is a search for meaning through dozens to hundreds to millions of units of information. This course is both a conceptual and practical introduction to contemporary datascape, big and small. Through projects, code tutorials and critical readings, we approach data as a tool for research and design, as a basis for interactive digital projects, and as a form of knowledge that deeply impacts our culture and society. We cover the practical process of data transformation from data structures and architecture; to mining and aggregation; to visualization. Students will work with publicly available datasets, design their own databases, and learn how to critically read graphical representations of knowledge. Projects will provide the opportunity for students to build and design data visualizations, develop back-end code for interactive prototypes, and acquire the basic skills of data query and management. Through readings and presentations we will examine ethical, historical and humanistic approaches to data design and theory. Computational methods covered by this class will include APIs, text and image libraries, quantitative methods, mapping and GeoCoding. Students will be introduced to programming languages for data management (JavaScript and SQL) and for visualization (Processing/PSjs). Prior programming experience may be advantageous, but is not necessary.

Pre-Requisite: Media Design (NMDS 5008), or Media Practices: Programming (NMDS 5444), or instructor permission. Media Studies courses are open to all graduate students. Undergraduate Juniors and Seniors with permission from the instructor and BA/MA Media studies students should email mediastudiesadvising@newschool.edu for access.

College: Schools of Public Engagement (NS)

Department: Media (MED)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Studio (S)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 15

Add/Drop Deadline: February 3, 2025 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 15, 2025 (Tuesday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 1:28am EDT 10/15/2024

Meeting Info:
Days: Thursday
Times: 4:00pm - 6:40pm
Building: TBD
Room: TBD
Date Range: 1/20/2025 - 5/14/2025