Not available in 2021/22
GV331      Half Unit
Capstone Data Science & Civic Engagement

This information is for the 2021/22 session.

Teacher responsible

TBC

Pre-requisites

Students must have completed Introduction to Political Science (GV101), Elementary Statistical Theory (ST102), Programming for Data Science (ST101) and Research Design in Political Science (GV249).

Course content

The Data Science and Civic Engagement Capstone requires groups of students to carry out an applied research project in order to address a practical policy issue or problem relevant to a civic partner organisation. This allows students to extend their capabilities and apply methodological knowledge and skills they learned in the Politics and Data Science degree to address real-life social, political, or policy problems. Capstone partner organisations may include advocacy groups, NGOs, thinktanks, public sector bodies, local governments, international organisations, or private companies where projects involve the social good. The initial weeks of the course will introduce students to the requirements of their Capstone project, key research strategies and essential questions. At the same time, from week 1 students will begin to research in allocated teams. Students are also expected to work steadily throughout the term with members of their team and with their supervisors. The completed research will be presented by week 11, both in the form of a team presentation and a report.

Teaching

2 hours of workshops in the MT. 6 hours of workshops in the LT. 2 hours of workshops in the ST.

2 hours of workshops in MT, 6 hours of workshops in LT, and 2 hours of presentations in ST.

These workshops are supplemented with regular help sessions.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 1 presentation in the LT.

Capstone groups must produce 1 team presentation for the “check-in” session, usually in week 5 of LT.

Indicative reading

As a capstone project course, there will not be required readings. However, students will be directed towards potentially useful background resources including:

Cyd Harrell (2020). A Civic Technologist's Practice Guide. Five Seven Five Books.

Eugene Bardach and Eric M. Patashnik (2016). A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis. London: Sage.

Brian A. Griffith and Ethan B. Dunham (2015). Working in Teams: Moving from High Potential to High Performance. London: Sage.

Edward R. Tufte (2001). The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. 2nd edition. Cheshire, Conn.: Graphics Press.

Assessment

Project (80%, 8000 words) and presentation (20%) in the LT.

Group project (80%, 8000 words) and group presentation (20%) in the LT.

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2020/21: Unavailable

Average class size 2020/21: Unavailable

Capped 2020/21: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills