Assessment
Data and Human Space
This course uses a set of different assessment methods to evaluate your learning and growth. Assessment is ongoing, with opportunities for feedback and extra credit throughout the semester.
Grading Components
Attendance and Class Participation (10%)
Active participation is essential for success in this course. This includes:
- Attending synchronous class sessions (TuTh 11:20-12:35)
- Engaging thoughtfully in discussions and activities, without recourse to generative AI in real time
- Completing in-class exercises and workshops
- Contributing to peer learning and collaborative work
Note: Attendance is mandatory. Typically, 2-3 absences are tolerated over the course of the semester. If you do not attend class sessions, or stop attending classes for a sustained period, it will not be possible to complete coursework and receive higher than a C.
Four Assignments (70% total — the first one is 10%; 30% for the other two)
There are four open-ended assignments that apply course methods to new contexts and texts. I will count the three best grades to calculate your final grade. It is your choice to complete three or four assignments. If you complete the fourth assignment you can receive up to five (5) extra points on top of your course work.
NB: If you do not complete an assignment within ten days of the due date, you will not be allowed to go back to complete it.
Purpose: To develop practical skills in humanities data containing a geospatial element and to practice critical thinking and evaluation about technology and artefacts from the humanities. These responses allow you to reflect on conceptual issues raised in class, practice web-based academic writing, and develop a public scholarly voice.
Format and Length:
- Typically 1,500-2,000 words, plus any visuals (maps, screenshots, charts, etc). Each assignment will be specific about what is required.
- Combines written analysis with digital outputs or demonstrations
- Published on your individual course Github page
- Everyone will complete the first exercise alone. It will be specified in each of the subsequent assignments if you can do it alone or in pairs. Groups of three or more are not permitted.
Detailed instructions will be provided and rubrics will be linked to each of the assignments.
In-class written assessment and end of term oral assessment (20% total — 10% each)
The in-class written oral exams will cover readings, material covered in your assignments and in the class. The in-class assessment will be administered over 75 minutes each and is in person. Rather than an essay format, it will be a series of short answer responses giving you an opportunity to show me what you have learned in the course thus far.
The oral assessment will take place in week 12, and will cover readings, material covered in your assignments and in the class. You can think of it as a student-guided conversation, reflecting on themes and concepts from the course. A guide to the oral exam can be found here.
You will have time after receiving the grades the oral exam to decide if you complete assignment 4.
Grading Scale
| Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 94-100% |
| A- | 90-93% |
| B+ | 85-89% |
| B | 80-84% |
| B- | 75-79% |
| C+ | 70-74% |
| C | 66-69% |
| C- | 62-65% |
| D | 55-62% |
| F | Below 55% |