DA 201W: Descriptive Analytics

Textbook Information

Knaflic, C.N. Storytelling with Data – A Data Visualization Guide for Business professionals. (2015).  Wiley.
Paperback ISBN: ISBN: 978-1119002253

E-Book Option: An online version of one or more of your texts is available at no cost as a Penn State Library E-Book. Some E-Books will only be available online, while others will be available to download in full or in part. This book will be available for free through the Penn State Libraries.

Published Remarks

None

Hardware Requirements

None

Software Requirements

All software used in the course is provided to Penn State students (specifically Excel). We use advanced functions of Excel that do not currently work for Mac users. Mac users will have to take special steps to remotely access Penn State desktop computers – directions will be provided within the course.

Proctored Exams

None

Course Description

DA 201W is a four-credit course with components that focus on data analytics and components that focus on writing. Special consideration is given to the importance of communicating findings to different constituents throughout this class.

Course-Level Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, successful students will be able to

  • demonstrate proficiency in acquiring, cleaning, and integrating data from various sources, ensuring data quality and reliability
  • develop analytical skills to explore and describe the distribution, composition, comparison, and relationships within datasets using statistical analyses and data visualization techniques
  • critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of different analytics methods and visualization techniques, enabling them to make informed decisions in data analysis
  • develop problem-solving skills by applying appropriate data analytics techniques to real-life projects and cases, addressing challenges encountered during the data analysis process
  • communicate their findings and insights to diverse stakeholders through written documents, integrating appropriate analytics and visual cues to support arguments and claims
  • use important storytelling elements (such as context, audience, and message) to construct compelling narratives and insights based on data
  • tailor data visualizations using visual elements such as color, labels, shapes, and patterns to effectively convey information and engage the audience

Course Assignment Summary

DA 201W will rely upon a variety of methods to assess and evaluate student learning, including

  • DA Skills Labs - These assignments are built to give you practice with the technical aspects of data analytics learned in the course. This includes calculating statistical outputs, creating tables, and creating graphs.
  • Writing Related Assignments - To emphasize the importance of communication in data analytics, there are many assignments that have a writing focus or have a writing and data analytics combined focus.
  • Final Project - There are a series of assignments found in the second half of the course that lead up to your submission of a final written report that includes statistics, tables, and graphs on descriptive analytics told as a cohesive story.
  • Other Assignments - You will be asked to complete other assignments throughout the course to support your learning.  These assignments include an Excel Essential Training, the introductory discussion board, Module 1: Basics of Descriptive Analytics Quiz, and the Ask the Experts Reflection discussion board.

You will earn a grade that reflects the extent to which you achieve the course learning objectives listed above. Grades are assigned by the percentage of possible points earned in each lesson's activities. Below is a breakdown of each assignment category.