Readings

I am using the term “reading” as a general term for “material you need to look at.” It might be documents that you read, videos that you watch, podcasts that you listen to, or interactive tools that you need to play with.

Each week there will be a list of required readings, as well as a list of supplemental (optional) readings. To get value from the class, you need to do (at least) the required readings. The readings for each week will be divided in two parts: introductory readings (that you need to look at by Tuesday, so you can refer to it in the initial discussion posting and have read it before class Wednesday) and follow up readings (that you need to look at by Friday, for the second discussion posting).

What: a set of materials for you to look at
Why (Learning Goal): this is a primary way to get the background material
When: part by Tuesday, part by Friday
How: materials are provided online, nothing to hand in
Assessment: indirect through other class activities
Late Policy: doing this on time is important for the discussions and class activities, but it is better to look at things late then not at all

The readings for the week will be listed in the “Week in Vis” posting. They will also be listed on the “all readings” page (coming soon) so you can read ahead, but future readings might change.

If you have questions about a reading, please send them via Piazza before lecture and I will either answer them online, or work it in to the lecture.

There is no direct assessment of the readings. Sometimes, we will ask you about the readings in a survey - we’d prefer that students are honest (if there is something you didn’t understand, or even if you didn’t get to a reading) so we can adjust the class accordingly.