Living in a World of Data

Humans live in the age of information … and misinformation … of big data, data mining, and machine learning … of new media presenting unparalleled means of communication … of unseen and opaque algorithms driving our news feeds… and of rushing to judgment on viral videos. It is important to develop some ‘information intelligence’ and ‘data dexterity’. Such dexterity and intelligence includes technical skills of quantitative data analysis and IT technology, but also includes critical thinking skills regarding how information is collected, judged, interpreted, and represented, and how big data and information is feeding humans’ collective awareness driving their decisions and affecting their world surroundings.

To complete this integrative pathway, students must choose a minimum of 12 credits as described: