cs239: DataVis (Spring'24)

Edstem page

Instructor: Gordon Kindlmann
TAs: Owen Fahey,
Abby Beckler

Lectures:
Tues & Thu
12:30-1:50pm
Math-Stat 112
Labs:
Thu 2-3:20pm
(CSIL 2)
Thu 3:30-4:50pm
(CSIL 1+2)

Class Description

Data visualizations provide a visual setting in which to explore, understand, and explain data. This class surveys the mathematical and perceptual principles, methods, and applications of data visualization. Visualizations will be web-based, created using D3.js.
Prerequisites: One of CMSC 12200, 14200, 15200 or 16200.

People

Instructor Gordon Kindlmann
(office hours: Wed 10:30am-noon Crerar 249)
TAs (undergrad): Owen Fahey
(office hours: Mon 4:30-5:30pm, Crear 205)
undergrad TA:   Abby Beckler
(office hours Fri 10:30-11:30am, Crerar Common Area 2C)
Grader:   Patricia Zhou

Grading and Assignments

The class grade is a weighted average of the following items: Work is due at 10pm, so that you can get some sleep at night.

Late Policy

We expect you to finish your work on time (for work handed in via svn, we will grade work committed by the deadline). Throughout the quarter, you may get up to six 24-hour extensions (“late-chips”) on any of the assignments. Only one extension may be used per assignment (they may not be "stacked"). You request late-chips at work-groups.cs.uchicago.edu, but must do so before the original (non-extended) assignment deadline. We can give additional consideration around deadlines if exceptional circumstances limit your ability to finish work; post a private note in the per-assignment category on EdStem to let us know as soon as possible.

Meetings, Communication, and Resources

Academic Honesty

In this course, as in all your courses, you must adhere to the University-wide Academic Honesty policies of the Student Manual. These are also described by the College under Academic Integrity & Student Conduct; expand the "Academic Integrity" section at the page bottom. To paraphrase:

  1. Never copy work from any other source and submit it as your own.
  2. Never allow your work to be copied.
  3. Never submit work identical to another student's.
  4. Document all collaboration
  5. Cite your sources.
There are harsh consequences for breaking these rules. Any student who is determined to have participated in academic dishonesty will not be allowed to withdraw and will receive a course grade no higher than a C. You will also be reported to your adviser and may face further discipline as a result.

Please note that sharing your own work (such as by putting it in a different repo, or otherwise posting it on the web), definitely breaks the second rule, even after the class is over. With respect to the third rule, you may discuss the general idea of how to solve a particular problem with another student (in which case, you must document it per the fourth rule), but you may not share your work directly. Reading through other people's code is a great way to introduce structural similarities that may trigger plagiarism detectors. When it comes time to sit down and start writing or typing, you must do the work by yourself (or with your partner for that project). You should never feel pressured to help another student in the class. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, or about the behavior of another student with respect to it, please ask your instructor (via email or private note on EdStem) as soon as possible. This statement of Academic Honesty is based on that of Adam Shaw.

Sexual Misconduct

Our school is committed to fostering a safe, productive learning environment. Title IX and our school policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Sexual misconduct – including harassment, stalking, domestic and dating violence — is also prohibited. Harassment can take the form of, for example, any repeated unwelcome comments of a sexual nature, or any sexual advance associated with seeking help on class work. Review the Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct, in particular the Sexual Misconduct and Definitions, so you understand what this covers.

If you have experienced sexual misconduct, talk to someone about what happened, so you can get the support you need, and so our school can respond appropriately and promptly. If you wish to speak confidentially about an incident of sexual misconduct, want more information about filing a report, or have questions about policies, procedures, or support services, please contact our Title IX Coordinator; see the Reporting Options section of the policy. Our school is legally obligated to investigate reports of sexual misconduct after a formal complaint is filed or signed by the Title IX Coordinator, but a request for confidentiality will be respected to the extent possible. As a faculty member, I am required to report any harassment that I learn about to the Title IX Coordinator.