Data Justice
Information, analytics and computing for social change
Introduction
Data Justice (DJ) provides students an opportunity to interrogate the biases that are built into information collection, design, and analysis. Students explore how specific values are coded into datasets, algorithms, AI-driven systems, machine learning models, and other sociotechnical systems. They gain advanced data-related skills that will serve them in a wide variety of careers that aim to make the world a better place through information.
By the conclusion of the program, students will be able to:
- Employ justice-centered approaches to equitable computer and data sciences;
- Analyze how cultural values, power, and privilege are encoded into technologies;
- Critique the sociopolitical values of data structure and algorithmic design;
- Analyze ways that computing and data science have been used as a catalyst for positive social change; and
- Develop a computing identity that intersects with personal identity factors.
DJ Scholars is brand new this year. The program is sponsored by the University of Maryland’s College of Information, a top-ranked research and teaching college in the field of information science.
In the College of Information, faculty, staff, students, and partners are expanding the frontiers of how information and technology are accessed and used in a rapidly evolving world. We are combining principles of information science with cutting-edge technology to foster access to information, improve information interfaces, and expand how information is used in an evolving world.
Throughout all of our endeavors, the College of Information is committed to utilizing information and technology for good – to connect communities, empower individuals, and create opportunities.
Colloquium and Lecture Topics
- How do you use information?
- What is the info you need to change the world?
- What has produced the digital divide?
- How are digital identities different from personal identities?
- How can we achieve information justice?
The Data Justice program will be an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students interested in information science, computer science, the social sciences, journalism, business, policy, and more.
Other Learning Opportunities
In addition to colloquium and supporting courses, DJ students will choose three 1-credit electives from a group of courses focused on building technical computing and data science skills. Course titles include:
- Making Twitter Bots
- Solving Puzzles and Riddles with Computation
- Comic Books and Machine Learning
- Emergent Experiences through Technology
Off-campus excursions to information-related sites, such as the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Agricultural Library in Beltsville, MD, will foster community and encourage examination of information in the community (in physical location, cyberspace, and institutions created for the management and best use of information).
Curriculum Overview
Data Justice is an 18-credit program that includes a required course on algorithmic bias (INST204S); a series of colloquium courses on the topics of the digital divide, digital identities, and information justice; a set of supporting courses drawn from the College of Information’s 100- and 200-level courses on relevant current issues; a set of short supporting courses focused on technical computing and data science skills; and a practicum (CPDJ240 Service Learning) in which students will undertake a project with a community partner related to data justice.
The following table represents a typical two-year curriculum, but individual schedules will vary. Details about courses and requirements can be found on the Data Justice Citation Checklist.
| SEMESTER | COURSE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | CPDJ 100: Colloquium I | 1 credit |
| INST204S: Designing Fair Systems (DSHS, SCIS) | 3 credits | |
| Semester 2 | CPDJ 101: Colloquium II | 1 credit |
| Semester 3 | CPDJ 200: Colloquium III | 1 credit |
| Semester 1, 2, 3, or 4 | INST 388: Maker Movement Approach to Computing INST 388: Maker Movement Approach to Computing INST 388: Maker Movement Approach to Computing |
1 credit 1 credit 1 credit |
| Semester 1, 2, 3, or 4 | Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) Supporting Course (var. Gen Ed) |
3 credits 3 credits |
| Semester 4 | CPDJ 240: Service-Learning Practicum | 3 credits |
Sponsoring College
Office Address
1101 Centreville
Office Phone
TBD
Faculty
News and Notes, Etc.
Scholars Demonstrate Diverse Talents at Academic Showcase
Launched in 1997, the annual College Park Scholars Academic Showcase took place Friday evening at the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center. Students from 11 different Scholars programs presented slideshows, posters and more that reflected on their experiential learning outside of the classroom.
JLT Scholar Wins Prestigious U.S. Department of State Fellowship
Washington, DC – Following a nationally competitive application process, University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) student Astrid Gabriella Tagne Meleu, a Justice and Legal Thought Scholar, is one of 15 individuals selected by the U.S. Department of State for the Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship 2024 cohort.
Numerous Scholars Earn University Student Leadership Awards
The Annual University Student Leadership Awards program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of our student leaders and scholars. Through this program, the university aims to acknowledge the exceptional academic performances and contributions to the University of Maryland community and surrounding neighborhoods made by students.Numerous Scholars were finalists and recipients of several of UMD's top awards.
“Think Globally, Act Locally!” Do Good Innovators Build Bridges Between Students & International Communities
In March 2024, the inaugural Provost’s Do Good Innovator Awards winners were announced. Out of 57 faculty named, Dr. Sarah Kilmer and Dr. Justine DeCamilis of the College Park Scholars program were rewarded for their joint work on the Terps Community Mentors program (TCM). Piloted in 2021, TCM builds bridges between first-year International Studies (IS), Justice and Legal Thought (JLT) students, and Afghan refugee families at the Parkview Garden Apartments in Riverdale. In the three years since its debut, these College Park Scholars students now routinely visit the Parkview Garden Apartments in Riverdale—cleaning up creeks and streams, donating meals, distributing school supplies and fostering big brother/sister relationships with the young children around the complex.
Fourteen Scholars Named Class of 2024 Senior Marshals
Senior Marshals are graduating seniors who have demonstrated the highest levels of scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth. The University of Maryland Senior Marshals represent graduating seniors who have demonstrated the highest levels of scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth.
Scholars Shine at Do Good Challenge Finals
Despite not capturing the top prizes at the 2024 Do Good Challenge Finals held earlier this week, four members of College Park Scholars and their respective projects shined.Two Scholars - Takiyah Roberts (STS) and Elias Laskey (GPH) - and their teams went head-to-head in the Project Track competition.