Fall 2017

Instructor: Sara Hooshangi

DATS 6401: Visualization of Complex Data Email: shoosh@gwu.edu

Class Schedule

Mondays and Wednesdays, 08/28/17 to 12/11/17, 2:20PM-3:10PM, Funger Hall 210

Office Hours: By appointment

Course Description

This course is a practical approach to fundamentals of data visualization specifically for data science
professional. The course provides an overview of the rapidly expanding data visualization field and the
theoretical and practical concepts related to creating visually appealing graphics. We will explore
techniques that can be used to better understand, represent and interpret data. We will also learn how to
create dynamic and interactive visualization that can be used on the web. Through a variety of tools
including Tableau, JavaScript and D3, we will examine the fundamental concepts of data visualization and
create visualizations that can tell compelling stories about the data.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Gain practical experience in developing static and dynamic visualizations

• Explore variety of techniques to showcase the best representation of the data in order to tell a
meaningful story
• Articulate best practices in data visualization
• Work comfortably in Tableau, JavaScript and D3 to create artful visuals and interpret data
• Develop critical thinking skills and practice oral and written communication skills

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: DATS 6101, DATS 6102, and DATS 6103. Restricted to candidates for the MS or graduate
certificate in data science; permission of the instructor may be substituted.

Contact Hours

Student will spend 100 minutes per week in class. Outside of the classroom, they will spend an average
(per week) of 2.5 hours reading and 4.5 hours working on assignments, projects, group work, and
presentation preparation. Over the course of the semester, students will spend 23 hours in instructional
time and 98 hours on their assignments, projects, studying for exams and preparing for class and
presentation. Instructional time includes discussions and hands-on activities in class.

Textbooks & Materials

This course has no textbook. Complimentary readings and other resources will be posted on Blackboard on
a regular basis. Course content such as assignments, required readings and lecture notes will be posted on
Blackboard. Students should check their Blackboard account frequently.
Tableau offers a free one-year license to students through the Tableau for Students program at:
http://www.tableau.com/academic/students. Students should obtain a license before the 3rd of class.

Course Components Course Assessment & Grading

Students are expected to attend each class, to complete any required preparatory work, and to participate
actively in lectures and discussions. The assessment of the course will be through homework assignments,
projects, in-class work and participation, two midterm exams and projects and presentations. The following
are the different components:

Assignments and Projects

There will be multiple assignments and projects assigned in this course. Assignments and projects will be
posted on Blackboard along with the due date and time. Assignments must be submitted online through
the Blackboard system by the due date and time. Late assignments (after due date is passed) will not be
accepted. Questions regarding grading should be addressed in writing through email. Any assignment
sent as an attachment through email will be marked at zero.

Exams
Two midterm exams will be scheduled during class time. The midterm exams will contain questions related
to the material covered in class and other assigned work. Please note that alternative times for these exams
will be arranged only under university criteria for rescheduling.

Attendance and class participation

Students are expected to attend each class, to complete any required preparatory work, and to participate
actively in lectures, discussions, and exercises. As members of the academic community, all students are
expected to contribute regardless of their proficiency with the subject matter. Students should try their best
to avoid late arrival to class, as late arrival is disruptive to both the instructor and the other students.
Students are expected to make prior arrangements with the instructor if they know in advance that they will
miss any class and to consult with the instructor as soon as possible if they miss any class without prior
notice. Students who arrive late, miss too many classes or don’t participate activity will lose points on their
Class Participation grade.

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Course Assessment & Grading

This course uses a percent based grading schema, as shown below:

Assignment Type Point Value Per Assignment Number of Assignments Total

Homework 5 4 20%
Midterm 15 2 30%
Class participation 10 - 10%
Project 1 15 1 15%
Project 2 25 1 25%
Total 100%

Grading Scale:
The grading scale below, based on %, determines your final letter grade.

100 – 93: A 92 – 90: A- 89 – 87: B+

86 – 83: B 82 – 80: B- 79 – 77: C+
76 – 73: C 73 – 70: C- 69 – 67: D+
66 – 63: D 62 – 60: D- <59: F

University Policies

Late Work:
• There will be no “make up” exams and late work will not be accepted
• All submission should be through Blackboard. Submissions sent through email will receive a grade
of zero
• In the event of an unforeseen circumstance where you miss class or a submission deadline, please
inform your instructor immediately. In the case of a severe illness, you must provide a doctor’s note

Religious Accommodation:
• Students should notify faculty during the first week of the semester of their intention to be absent
from class on their day(s) of religious observance
• Faculty should extend to these students the courtesy of absence without penalty on such occasions,
including permission to make up examinations

Safety and security:

In the case of an emergency, if at all possible, the class should shelter in place. If the building that the class
is in is affected, follow the evacuation procedures for the building. After evacuation, seek shelter at a
predetermined rendezvous location.

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Netiquette:
Please observe the following rules of netiquette for email and online communication:

• Use salutation when sending emails to your instructor and sign your name at the end of each email
• Use your GWU email for any correspondence with the instructor and check your GWU email on
regular basis. All communication from the instructor will come there
• Remain professional, respectful, and courteous at all times
• Please allow adequate time for your instructor to get back to you. Email questions will be answered
usually within 24 hours during weekdays and the next business day during weekends and holidays

Academic Integrity:
Please review GW’s policy on academic integrity, located at http://studentconduct.gwu.edu/. Students
should familiarize themselves with the Code of Academic Integrity for GW and all graded work must be
completed in accordance with this Code located at: http://studentconduct.gwu.edu/code-academic-
integrity. In this code, academic dishonesty is defined as “cheating of any kind, including misrepresenting
one’s own work, taking credit for the work of others without crediting them and without appropriate
authorization, and the fabrication of information”. This extends beyond written work and includes material
of any kind found on the Internet. Commitment to academic honesty upholds the mutual respect and moral
integrity that GW’s community values and nurtures. To this end, The George Washington University Code of
Academic Integrity has been established and must be honored by all members of its community. Please
note that acts of academic dishonesty during the course will be prosecuted and harsh penalties may be
sought for such acts.

Disability Support Services:

Any student who may need an accommodation based on the potential impact of a disability should contact
the Disability Support Services office at 202-994-8250 in Rome Hall, Suite 102, on the Foggy Bottom
campus to establish eligibility and to coordinate reasonable accommodations. For additional information
please refer to: https://disabilitysupport.gwu.edu/

Mental Health Services:

The University's Mental Health Services offers 24/7 assistance and referral to address students' personal,
social, career, and study skills problems. Services for students include: crisis and emergency mental health
consultations confidential assessment, counseling services (individual and small group), and referrals.
Please visit the website https://healthcenter.gwu.edu/mental-health or call 202-994-5300.

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Class Schedule (Subject to Change)

Week Date Topic Assignment Due

Module 1: Introduction

Week 1 8/28-30 Introduction to Data Science /Visualization

Week 2 9/6 Data Visualization History Class Presentation

Week 3 9/11-13 Data Visualization Design Homework 1 (9/12)

Module 2: Visualization using Tableau

Week 4 9/18-20 Tableau: Introduction

Week 5 9/25-27 Tableau: Dashboard

Week 6 10/2-4 Tableau: Advanced Topics Homework 2 (10/3)

Module 3: Web Visualization with Java Script and HTML/CSS

Week 7 10/11 Midterm 1 Project 1 (10/15)

Week 8 10/16-18 Intro to HTML/CSS

Week 8 10/23-25 Web Visualization with HTML/CSS

Week 9 10/30-11/1 Web Visualization with Java Script and HTML/CSS Homework 3 (10/31)

Module 4: Visualization using D3

Week 10 11/6-8 Web Visualization with D3

Week 11 11/13-15 Web Visualization with D3

Week 12 11/20 Web Visualization with D3 Homework 4 (11/21)

Week 13 11/27-29 Advanced Topics in Visualization

Week 14 12/4-6 Midterm 2- Work on Final Project

Week 15 12/11 Final Project Presentation Project 2 (12/2)

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