Course Unit Page
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Teacher Alice Corona
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Credits 6
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Teaching Mode Traditional lectures
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Language English
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Campus of Bologna
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Degree Programme Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Statistics, Economics and Business (cod. 8876)
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.




Academic Year 2021/2022
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student is able to speak, write and understand English in a Business setting. In particular the student will - learn to use English more efficiently; - improve their communication skills; - Learn How to Tell Powerful Stories With Data
Course contents
The course covers the main skills related to data communication, that is:
- Design of a data communication product, from the sourcing and interpretation of data to their graphic representation.
- Creation of data visualizations, charts and dashboards using the main tools of the industry.
For both of these points, there will be practical exercises, to gain mastery in specific data visualization tools or to favor a creative design process.
The course will discuss key topics related to these two skills, such as:
- Evaluate accessibility and inclusivity of data communication products.
- Elements of visual and info design
- Audience-driven design.
- Perception and bias, and their influence in data communication.
- Exercises of creativity in the representation of data.
- Focus on maps and geo data.
- Critical evaluation of data visualizations, to improve the efficiency and clarity of your communication products.
For non-attending students:
Contact the teacher to agree on an alternative program, especially in order to compensate for the practical exercises that will be carried out in class by the attending students.
Readings/Bibliography
Recommended readings.
Cairo, A. (2020). How charts lie: Getting smarter about visual information. New York, NY: WW Norton.
D’Ignazio, C., & Klein, L. F. (2020). Data Feminism. London, England: MIT Press.
Knaflic, C. N. (2015). Storytelling with data: A data visualization guide for business professionals (C. N. Knaflic, Ed.). Nashville, TN: John Wiley & Sons.
Teaching methods
- Frontal lessons
- Practical classroom exercises, with pen and paper
- Practical classroom exercises, with online tools
- Collaborative learning
Assessment methods
Written exam to assess the students' knowledge in relation to the contents of the course. Grade will be a pass or fail.
For non-attending students:
You will be asked to submit also the practical exercises that attending students will have completed in class - or some alternative exercises with similar goals.
Teaching tools
Computer, course slides which will remain available.
The course encourages the use of open source tools, but the creation of a free profile will still be required in order to use of some of the tools demonstrated in class. If any incompatibilities arise due to privacy issues, please contact the teacher.
The course privileges the use of, to avoid software installation problems.
Students with disabilities which may have an impact on the use of the computer can contact the teacher to agree on how to ensure a good access to the course.
Office hours
See the website of Alice Corona