Statistics: Statistics and Society

Explores how data shape public understanding of social issues while building statistical literacy. Students will learn to identify bias, consider ethical and structural influences, and apply descriptive and inferential statistics to interpret, visualize, and evaluate data across varied communities and perspectives. Credit not awarded after STAT 2000 or greater. Prerequisites: Two years High School algebra; no credit for Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors in the mathematical and engineering sciences; credit for only one of STAT 051 and STAT 1050.

Prereq: Two years High School algebra; no credit for Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors in the mathematical and engineering sciences; credit for only one of STAT 051 and STAT 1050; Asynchronous online

This 6-week asynchronous course builds foundational statistical thinking while exploring how data impacts and reflects social justice issues. Learn to ask critical questions, detect bias, summarize data effectively, make inferences, and tell ethical, impactful stories with data. No advanced math background is required.

Each week includes: • 3-5 short modules presenting course content (Reading material with accompanying videos & practice questions) • Quizzes on each module (graded, 2 attempts allowed, due Sundays at 11:59 PM EST) • Infographic project deliverable (graded, due Sundays at 11:59 PM EST) • Discussion board participation (graded, initial post due Fridays & responses due Sundays at 11:59 PM EST)

Quizzes 50% Infographic Project (Scaffolded) 35% Discussion Posts 15% Your final project will combine data interpretations, critical evaluation, and ethical communication to explore a social justice topic using real-world data. Each week builds toward the final version, which includes: • An infographic that tells a clear, honest story using existing data sources • An annotated bibliography (4-6 sources) that critically evaluates each source’s credibility, data collection methods, strengths, and potential biases • A short, written reflection on what you learned about data, justice, and storytelling