Data and Society

Key questions:
Big data: can we use large data sets and their collection to achieve values, generate insights and find answers? Which social changes can we expect from these technological changes and how will they influence our well-being?

This minor requires no prior knowledge of data analysis or programming.

Coordinator:
Dr. Roel Smeets (r.smeets@let.ru.nl)

General information
We live in a datafied and digitised society. Modern day technologies have irreversibly changed the way we communicate, work, consume, and spend our leisure time. Processes of datafication and digitisation have a large impact on our society and have opened up new possibilities. Being a critical citizen in the 21st century thus requires a fair extent of digital literacy. It is, furthermore, crucial to assume a critical stance toward the digitisation of culture and society. There is an increasing demand for people who can bridge the gap between technology and the humanities; people who can ascribe meaning to collections of data and who can carefully handle moral and ethical dilemmas. In order to understand these assets of our present-day society, you will deepen your knowledge about the intersection of technology and society.

In this minor, you will learn which tools for digital data analysis are available in your field. You will also learn how to critically reflect on ways to use these tools. Which knowledge can and can't they help you acquire? How do you deal with your own prejudices when interpreting digital data? Which social changes can we expect from the digitisation of our society? How do you deal with ethical issues, such as privacy?

The minor consists of the following fixed components (mandatory; only accessible to Faculty of Arts students and PTRS students (Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies)):

More information about (the concept of) a think tank can be found here.

Electives (20 EC)

In addition to the fixed components, you'll also enroll in courses for a total 20 EC. You can choose between two options:

1. You can choose a disciplinary package. In this package you can choose courses of one degree programme for a total of 20 EC. More information on the disciplinary packages can be found here.
2. You can choose courses from the interdisciplinary packageof the minorData and Society for a total of 20 EC. In this package you will find courses from the Faculty of Arts (as well as from other faculties of Radboud University) that allow you to focus on specific aspects of data collection, such as improving your technical programming skills.

If you opt for the minor Data and Society, you also have access to the new campus-wide minor programme in Data Science (courses marked with an *). If you complete the Data Science minor, this will be mentioned on your diploma specifically or on a separate certificate. Note: the statistics course can be substituted by another 5 EC statistics course.
More information about the Data Science minor can be found here. 
** Usually, you would have to apply for admission to these courses, but if you chose the minor Data and Society, you do NOT have to do that. Because you cannot register directly via OSIRIS Student please send an email to stip@let.ru.nl. Since these three courses are a module in the Philosophy, Politics and Society bachelor programme, students need to take all three courses.

*** You cannot choose both courses marked with the ***

Please note: It is not possible to account for each student’s timetable when scheduling the courses for the disciplinary and interdisciplinary packages. This means you will only be able to take a course if your timetable permits. If you encounter any difficulties planning which minor courses to take, please consult you study advisor.