RHE 330C RHETORIC & DATA VISUALIZATION
This course introduces students to the principles of designing tables, graphs, and figures that are both accessible and persuasive, while remaining true to the data they represent. Focusing on the rhetoric of visual communication, students will explore how visual elements can shape the interpretation of data and influence audience understanding. Through a combination of theory and practice, the course examines the ethical responsibilities of data visualization, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the representation of information.
Syllabus
This course syllabus provides an overview of the course design with respect to learning goals, expectations, assignments, and readings. Feel free to borrow or modify this design. I only ask that you provide attribution somewhere in your syllabus and encourage others to do the same.
Design Labs
Design Labs are structured, hands-on class sessions that give students the opportunity to apply key data visualization concepts in real time. These labs are designed to reinforce course material through active experimentation and collaborative problem-solving. By working through design challenges, students explore practical questions related to clarity, accessibility, and the ethical implications of visual representation. Activities may include redesigning flawed visualizations, creating visuals from raw data, or testing different tools and techniques. Design Labs help students deepen their understanding of visualization practices by putting theory into practice, encouraging iterative thinking, and building confidence in making informed design decisions.
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For example in a two-part design lab ("Using Gestalt Design Principles"), students explored how Gestalt principles can enhance visual clarity and guide viewer attention in data visualizations. In Part 1, each student selected a chart from their data story project and created three alternative versions, experimenting with different visual strategies such as color contrast, annotation, line weight, and simplification to emphasize key information. In Part 2, students participated in a structured peer review to assess how effectively each version focused attention. Guided by targeted prompts, they identified strengths and areas for improvement, then reflected on the feedback to plan a revised version that sharpened the signal and reduced distraction. This lab helped students practice purposeful design variation and develop a more intentional approach to visual storytelling. Here are some samples of student work
Major Project: Data Story
The Data Story Presentation assignment challenges students to use data as a foundation for persuasive storytelling. Drawing from a dataset they find or collect themselves, students select a topic that is personally meaningful or relevant to their community. They then create and record a 10–15 minute slideshow presentation that weaves visualizations and narrative techniques into a clear, engaging argument or story. This assignment emphasizes both analytical and rhetorical skills: students must interpret their data accurately, design visuals that support comprehension, and craft a narrative that highlights the broader significance of their findings. By presenting complex information in a compelling, accessible format, students learn how to communicate data-driven insights to a public audience—a crucial skill for ethical and impactful data storytelling.