Learning Philosophy
"Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world." - Paulo Freire
This course treats data science as a practice of inquiry, collaboration, and critical judgment. We learn by working with real environmental questions, testing ideas in code, and reflecting on what data and models make visible, obscure, or possible. Technical skills matter here not as ends in themselves, but as tools for participating thoughtfully and responsibly in environmental decision making.
The course also asks what it means to learn data science in an age of generative AI and algorithmic decision systems. As analytical tools become increasingly automated, we will ask what knowledge, judgment, and skills people should continue to cultivate. We aim to build a community that uses data science critically, creatively, and responsibly for environmental policy.
(Un)grading
This course adopts an ungrading approach that prioritizes learning, reflection, and collaboration over point-based evaluation. Rather than treating grades as neutral measures of learning, ungrading encourages students and instructors to question grading as a system and to focus on feedback, self-assessment, and collective inquiry.
For more, see The Practice of Ungrading.
Attendance
Because most of our work happens through discussion, live practice, and collaboration, regular attendance and active participation are expected. Attendance is not scored, but being present is important to your own learning and to the work of your project group.
If you need to miss class because of illness, caregiving, accessibility needs, or other circumstances, let the professor or a teaching assistant know when you can and coordinate with your group to catch up. If absences become frequent or extended, please reach out so that we can make a plan together.