Data and Society

Group of students in an active learning environment.

Students in this Data Mine cohort will examine a variety of issues pertaining to contemporary society and the role big data plays in it. Data and Society students will learn to recognize and apply ethical reasoning to issues in data science and digital technologies; and to apply data analysis to better understanding public policy being written around, and with the help of, big data. Collectively, students and faculty will explore the role data plays in enhancing - and limiting - society.

Current Purdue students are able to apply for 2020-21 learning communities from October 1, 2019 until January 31, 2020. Incoming students to Purdue can apply beginning January 15, 2020.

Eligibility

Any undergraduate student with interest in Liberal Arts and the Data Sciences

Residential Component

  • Students from this learning community must reside in Hillenbrand Hall
  • Students who are required to reside in a different residence hall (e.g., due to the Honors College or athletics participation), or who do not sign a housing contract, may not participate in The Data Mine
  • Your roommate (in most cases) will be a member of The Data Mine
  • It is necessary to complete a housing contract, to participate in The Data Mine. (Completing a housing contract is a separate process from applying for a learning community.)

Duration

Fall and Spring semesters

Required classes for students

The information below is subject to change. If you are placed in The Data Mine, the associated courses will be placed on your schedule (by Learning Communities and the Registrar's Office) prior to you registering for the rest of your courses.

Fall
  • PHIL 20800 (3 credits; Section SC1: CRN 13427) Ethics of Data Science
  • STAT 19000 (1 credit; 5 sections available) The Data Mine I
Spring
  • POL 22900 (3 credits) Data Science and Public Policy
  • STAT 19000 (1 credit; 4 sections available) The Data Mine II

Events and Activities Included

  • Weekly dinners with Data Mine participants
  • Faculty and graduate student office hours onsite in Hillenbrand
  • Seminars by visiting speakers, including practicing data scientists
  • Social gatherings with Data Mine members
  • Meals with campus and community leaders
  • Game / recreation nights
  • Career and graduate school panels
  • Hackathons / data competitions
  • Professional development activities
  • Tour of Purdue's computational facilities
Current Purdue students are able to apply for 2020-21 learning communities from October 1, 2019 until January 31, 2020. Incoming students to Purdue can apply beginning January 15, 2020.