New course this fall at Columbia: Laboratory in Justice Data Science

Ben Silver writes:

I’m an incoming postdoc at the Center for Justice, working with Prof. Geraldine Downey. I’m going to be teaching a course in the fall called Laboratory in Justice Data Science (PSYC4890). There’s a prereq currently listed on the website, but we’re working on getting that removed.

Here’s the description:

The course will provide the rigorous data science training and core content knowledge students need to use data science to effect meaningful policy change in the direction of a more just society. The course will leverage the academic expertise of psychologists, lawyers and data scientists, the perspectives and experiences of community members and students affiliated with the Center for Justice, and policymakers from government agencies and community organizations. The focus will be on collaborating with community and government organizations to propose research-and-data-informed solutions that center problem-solving on those most impacted by the problem.

Feel free to make whatever snarky remarks you want about Columbia University and “Justice” in the comments section. I’m sure some of you have wanted to do this for awhile; this is your chance.

In all seriousness, this looks like a good course that could be of interest to many undergraduate and graduate students here at Columbia.