Spring 2027 New and Trending Courses
Data Analysis in Criminal Justice
This course examines various data sources related to the context and workings of the criminal justice system. We assess the strengths and weaknesses of existing data sources and analyze how data can be used to improve our understanding of criminal justice institutions and their operation.
Students will get regular practice with data interpretation exercises, including using basic arithmetic tools (e.g., rate ratios, percent change) for the purpose of rigorous tabular and descriptive analyses, and in preparation for more advanced forms of quantitative analysis. As a final project, students will draw on several existing sources to create and analyze a data set relevant to their own criminal justice interests.
Business of Photography and Multimedia
In this class students learn the basics of professional practices as they relate to various photography markets including Editorial, Advertising, Weddings, Portraits, and Fine Art Photography. Students will learn to research and apply basic marketing principles so that they can successfully promote their work and skills as a professional photographer.
Students will create business cards, letterhead, and promotional pieces to use in the day-to-day dealings of their business. They will learn to sequence and format their portfolio (created in Advanced Photographic Production) for both print and online viewing. Other topics include branding, blogs, SEO and analytics, artist statements, production proposals, copyright, licensing, and professional business practices and etiquette.
Smart Cities: Frontiers in Urban Analytics & Big Data
The growing importance of big data and urban analytics are contributing to cities becoming ‘smarter’. Smart city planning requires creating data structures and methods frameworks to gather, store, and analyze information that can inform planning practices and policymaking. This course will outline the frontiers in urban data science, including the ethical and analytical considerations that underpin the smart city paradigm.
Students will gain practical experience with analyzing, modelling, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data using R and RStudio. The course is designed to accommodate students with diverse backgrounds, and while no prerequisites are required some familiarity with statistical methods and coding is beneficial. The course emphasizes a geographical perspective in addressing urban topics (including infrastructure, transportation, and sustainability), empowering students to contribute to future urban planning practices and policymaking.