Data and Politics

This course is an introduction to the use (and misuse) of data and statistics to understand the political and social worlds. Social scientists often employ statistical analysis as a tool, and in some fields of inquiry it is the dominant method. Outside academia, society, business, government, and culture are all becoming increasingly data oriented, placing a premium on basic statistical literacy. The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data are important skills and this class will put you on the path to developing these capabilities. In addition to learning the principles and concepts of statistical analysis, the class will serve a gentle introduction to coding with the R programming language. Students participating in July Experience take one morning class and one afternoon class each day, Monday through Friday. Classes meet for 90 minutes, with the possibility of additional laboratory sessions in selected courses. July Experience courses although taught with college-level rigor, do not carry any secondary school or college credit. This allows students to take risks and explore curriculum without the pressure of impacting his or her permanent record. Courses are graded on an Honors/Pass/Fail basis and a detailed written letter to parents/guardians is provided by each professor after the conclusion of the program. Students will have the opportunity to select their class preferences after they have been admitted to the program. To ensure small class sizes, students may be assigned second or third choices. The total cost of July Experience 2019 is $4,000. Tuition covers the following areas: Room and board (all meals and self-service laundry), Textbook(s) for use during the duration of the program, and Scheduled activity costs/fees. Tuition does not include travel expenses and personal spending money. Application process includes: online application, transcript, school profile, counselor recommendation form, teacher recommendation form, essay. Students must complete the Online Application in its entirety and submit it in one online session. Financial aid is available with the completion of an additional scholarship application.