Fall 2025
In Fall 2025, this class is offered as a seminar.
This seminar is focused on answering one question: “what is the value of data?”. Throughout a mix of lectures and paper discussions, we will explore the many dimensions of this question. We will explore this question from a multidisciplinary perspective that includes computer science, statistics, and social sciences, among others. We will discuss abstract ideas and practical concepts and tools as well.
A typical session will consist of a short introduction by the instructor, followed by a paper discussion (students are expected to read the assigned papers ahead of the class and guide the discussion).
Learning Objectives
In addition to learning about a varied set of topics related to data science, data management, and data economics, the following are the specific learning objectives of this class:
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To become comfortable discussing papers written in different styles by researchers in diverse research communities.
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To become comfortable scrutinizing diverse research methodologies, including systems, analytical approaches, and empirical ones.
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To learn how to distill the essence of a paper and ask research questions.
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To practice your spoken and written communication skills when conveying advanced material to a technical audience.
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To gain a nuanced understanding of data, its value, its impact in society, and the mechanisms and interventions available to harness such value.
Course Information
Instructor: Raul Castro Fernandez (raulcf@uchicago.edu)
Lectures: Friday 9:30am–12:20pm (Central Time)
Prerequisites: Permission from the instructor.
Canvas Site: We won’t use Canvas. The official Canvas site points to this website.
Room: JCL 011
Coursework and Evaluation
Attendance. Much of the value of this class is in attending the sessions, discussing the papers, and engaging in the discussions.
Guiding paper discussion. You will be assigned readings to discuss in class.
Schedule
The schedule is available here. Check it out frequently as the readings for each week will be included here.
The schedule combines lectures with discussion-based sessions led by the instructor. Most lectures and discussion sessions require working on some readings before class.