This course explores the role of social research in policymaking and public decisions and develops skills for the communication of research findings and their implications in writing and through data visualization. Students will develop an understanding of various perspectives on the role that data and data analysts play in policymaking, learn how to write for a public audience about data, results, and implications, and learn how to create effective and engaging data visualizations.

Data Science Connector: This course builds on the Foundations of Data Science course by teaching more advanced data visualization skills and techniques, by providing an understanding of how data is used, and by teaching how to communicate about data in writing.