Module Code - Title:
JM6103
-
ADVANCED DATA STORYTELLING
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module builds on the Semester 1 module 'An Introduction to Data Communication' by further exploring how to prepare and extract key features of large datasets and use them to tell stories for different types of audiences. Students will also learn key concepts and techniques behind data perception and visualisation, as well as attaining basic proficiency in some associated software tools.
Syllabus:
Topics being covered by this module include:
• Principles of data communication. Develop a greater understanding of core principles around communicating data driven information to the general public. Additionally it will consider implications for communicating with different types of audiences.
• Data gathering and analysis. Introduction to open and public data; Overview of approaches to sourcing and reviewing datasets to establish what stories emerge.
• Establish connections within and between datasets. Understanding relationships between different types of data driven research; Integrating complex data into stories; Communicating conflicting data.
• How to build narratives or stories from data. Applying knowledge gained thus far to develop a range of narratives or stories about data, on smaller or larger scales small to large scale.
• Collaborative data project based on student disciplines/areas of work or interest.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Identify ways in which groups and communities are using data to make more informed choices and decisions for human well-being;
Identify specific concerns and harms related to datafication and mediation of same;
Develop an informed and critical approach to understanding data power and politics
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an informed and critical approach to understanding data power and politics;
Critique algorithmic decision making processes to identify potential biases and discrimination;
Evaluate the benefits and risks involved with new data driven technologies.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
There will be a weekly three-hour lab that will take place online and face to face.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Vora, S., (2019)
The power of data storytelling
, Sage
Riche, NH et al (2018)
Date driven story-telling
, CRC Press
Dykes, B (2019)
Effective data Storytelling: how to drive change with data, narrative and visuals.
, Wiley
Tong, J (2022)
Journalism in the Data Age
, Sage
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
niamh.kirk@ul.ie