COMM5501 Data Visualisation and Communication - 2024
General Course Information
Course Code : COMM5501
Year : 2024
Term : Term 3
Teaching Period : T3
Course Details & Outcomes
Course Description
How can data help you tell a story? How can you use data storytelling to then tackle some of the big challenges we are facing around the world?
Data visualisation and communication are critical skills in many professions. The creation of targeted, easily digestible visuals allows us to make sense of complex information in an accessible and easily understandable way. The ability to employ visuals will enhance almost any presentation to better engage our audience, make our messages more memorable, and facilitate more effective decision-making.
In this course, we will give you the tools to create your own data story addressing a pressing and current global challenge as identifed by the UN SDGs. You will learn how to design your story for your chosen audience, how to criticise misrepresentations of data (especially the intentional ones), and drive action to address your chosen challenge.
So, how will you leave the world a better place?
Course Aims
This course aims to create a strong foundation in data storytelling for students. Students will receive hands-on experience in creating effective data visualisations with the aim of communicating complicated issues to diverse audiences, with the intention to bring about impactful change. This process will also involve students giving peer feedback on each other's work as part of building critical evaluation and refectionskills.
Relationship to Other Courses
The ideas introduced in this course around developing the skill of effective data storytelling will form. a strong foundation for effective, evidence-based communication applicable to many disciplines.
Course Learning Outcomes
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Course Learning Outcomes
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Program learning outcomes
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CLO1 : Produce appropriate high quality data visualisations using a variety of software
packages and techniques
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• PLO1 : Business Knowledge
• PLO2 : Problem Solving
• PLO3 : Business Communication
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CLO2 : Critically evaluate and interpret data graphics
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• PLO1 : Business Knowledge
• PLO3 : Business Communication
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CLO3 : Apply data storytelling techniques to a range of business and societal problems
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• PLO5 : Responsible Business Practice
• PLO6 : Global and Cultural Competence
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CLO4 : Communicate data insights effectively to a variety of audiences
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• PLO1 : Business Knowledge
• PLO2 : Problem Solving
• PLO3 : Business Communication
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Course Learning Outcomes
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Assessment Item
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CLO1 : Produce appropriate high quality data visualisations using a variety of software
packages and techniques
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• Weekly Formative tasks
• Data Story Content
• Data Story Project
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CLO2 : Critically evaluate and interpret data graphics
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• Weekly Formative tasks
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|
CLO3 : Apply data storytelling techniques to a range of business and societal problems
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• Data Story Content
• Data Story Project
• Weekly Formative tasks
|
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CLO4 : Communicate data insights effectively to a variety of audiences
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• Data Story Content
• Data Story Project
• Weekly Formative tasks
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Learning and Teaching Technologies
Moodle - Learning Management System
Assessments
Assessment Structure
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Assessment Item
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Weight
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Relevant Dates
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Program learning outcomes
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Weekly Formative tasks Assessment
Format: Individual
Short Extension: Yes (1 day)
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20%
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Start Date: Not Applicable
Due Date: Weekly, see Moodle for details
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• PLO1 : Business Knowledge
• PLO2 : Problem Solving
• PLO3 : Business Communication
• PLO5 : Responsible Business Practice
• PLO6 : Global and Cultural Competence
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Data Story Content Assessment
Format: Individual
Short Extension: Yes (3 days)
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45%
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Start Date: Not Applicable
Due Date: Various, see Moodle for details
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• PLO1 : Business Knowledge
• PLO2 : Problem Solving
• PLO3 : Business Communication
• PLO5 : Responsible Business Practice
• PLO6 : Global and Cultural Competence
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Data Story Project Assessment
Format: Individual
Short Extension: Yes (7 days)
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35%
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Start Date: Not Applicable
Due Date: Week 10: 11
November - 17 November
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• PLO1 : Business Knowledge
• PLO3 : Business Communication
• PLO2 : Problem Solving
• PLO5 : Responsible Business Practice
• PLO6 : Global and Cultural Competence
• PLO7 : Leadership Development
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Assessment Details
Weekly Formative tasks
Assessment Overview
Tasks designed to give students feedback on their progress
Course Learning Outcomes
· CLO1 : Produce appropriate high quality data visualisations using a variety of software packages and techniques
· CLO2 : Critically evaluate and interpret data graphics
· CLO3 : Apply data storytelling techniques to a range of business and societal problems
· CLO4 : Communicate data insights effectively to a variety of audiences
Assignment submission Turnitin type This is not a Turnitin assignment
Generative AI Permission Level No Assistance
This assessment is designed for you to complete without the use of any generative AI. You are not permitted to use any generative AI tools, software or service to search for or generate
information or answers.
For more information on Generative AI and permitted use please see here. Data Story Content
Assessment Overview
Structured set of activities for students to create content for their data story
Course Learning Outcomes
· CLO1 : Produce appropriate high quality data visualisations using a variety of software packages and techniques
· CLO3 : Apply data storytelling techniques to a range of business and societal problems · CLO4 : Communicate data insights effectively to a variety of audiences
Assignment submission Turnitin type This is not a Turnitin assignment
Generative AI Permission Level Simple Editing Assistance
In completing this assessment, you are permitted to use standard editing and referencing
functions in the software you use to complete your assessment. These functions are described below. You must not use any functions that generate or paraphrase passages of text or other media, whether based on your own work or not.
If your Convenor has concerns that your submission contains passages of AI-generated text or media, you may be asked to account for your work. If you are unable to satisfactorily
demonstrate your understanding of your submission you may be referred to UNSW Conduct & Integrity Ofce for investigation for academic misconduct and possible penalties.
For more information on Generative AI and permitted use please see here.
Use of basic tools such as grammar and spelling checkers are permitted in the preparation of your assignment. However, ideas used in your work must be your own, and cannot come from generative AI.
Data Story Project
Assessment Overview
Structured set of activities for students to assemble and showcase their content
Course Learning Outcomes
· CLO1 : Produce appropriate high quality data visualisations using a variety of software packages and techniques
· CLO3 : Apply data storytelling techniques to a range of business and societal problems
· CLO4 : Communicate data insights effectively to a variety of audiences
Generative AI Permission Level Simple Editing Assistance
In completing this assessment, you are permitted to use standard editing and referencing functions in the software you use to complete your assessment. These functions are described below. You must not use any functions that generate or paraphrase passages of text or other media, whether based on your own work or not.
If your Convenor has concerns that your submission contains passages of AI-generated text or media, you may be asked to account for your work. If you are unable to satisfactorily demonstrate your understanding of your submission you may be referred to UNSW Conduct & Integrity Ofce for investigation for academic misconduct and possible penalties.
For more information on Generative AI and permitted use please see here.
Use of basic tools such as grammar and spelling checkers are permitted in the preparation of your assignment. However, ideas used in your work must be your own, and cannot come from generative AI.