Modern Literacies courses are designed to introduce students from all disciplines to forms of analysis and modes of thinking that represent, process, and convey information. These approaches to information increasingly mediate our experience of the world, and might include coding, statistical analysis, visual data analysis, and the analysis of geographic or spatial information. Two Modern Literacies courses will be offered each spring, each for two credits. Students may take as many Modern Literacies courses as they wish. Courses are intended for all students.

16015

ML 102 Uncertainty & Variation

John Cullinan

M W 11:50 am-1:10 pm

HDR 106

2 credits This is a non-technical introduction to the ideas of statistics and how they are used and portrayed in politics, science, economics, and the media. This course will center around readings that convey the big ideas of the subject with no mathematical prerequisites. By focusing on real-world case studies, we will learn to critique the use and misuse of statistics in everyday life. The course meets twice a week during the first seven weeks of the semester. This Modern Literacy course does not satisfy the MATC distribution requirement. Class size: 18

16109

ML 103 Historical GIS

Gretta Tritch Roman

M W 11:50 am-1:10 pm

HDR 106

2 credits The application of geographic information system (GIS) technology to historical analyses provides an interactive tool to graphically represent and geographically locate a large amount of historic data. Unlike conventional two-dimensional maps, a GIS project can be thick. Layers of information are compiled to offer the unique opportunity in the study of history to analyze time and space as simultaneous factors. In this class, students will engage with both kinds of mapping practices, overlaying collected data onto a historic map using open-sourced GIS software. Paired with the digital exercises are critical discussions and readings that investigate the role of digital mapping in the service of constructing and writing historical arguments. This course is offered in the second half of the spring semester (a “Modern Literacy” course) Class size: 18