ISOM 675 · Syllabus

Fall 2026 syllabus for ISOM 675 Data Visualization.

ISOM 675 · Data Visualization

Fall 2026 syllabus · Subject to minor revisions
Updated August 25, 2026

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Course information

Class meetings Monday and Wednesday, 11:30 AM–12:45 PM · GBS 201
Instructor Prof. Prasanna Parasurama, PhD · Assistant Professor, Information Systems and Operations Management
Email pparasurama@emory.edu
Office hours Mondays, 2:00–4:00 PM, or by appointment · GBS 403
TA Kevin Sheng · kaiyuan.sheng@emory.edu
TA office hours TBA
Course site This site contains course materials. Canvas contains assignments, quizzes, announcements, and grades.

Course overview

Description and objectives

Data Visualization will introduce students to the techniques and tools used to create effective visualizations that clearly and efficiently communicate relationships within data. The field of data visualization combines the art of graphic design with the science of data analytics.

Students will learn how to perform exploratory analysis through visualization, how to create professional-looking visualizations for use in business reports and presentations, and how to design interactive visualizations and dashboards. The course will cover common quantitative messages that users attempt to understand or communicate from a set of data and the visualizations used to communicate each message. These include time series, rankings, proportions, deviations, frequencies and distributions, correlations, categorical comparisons, and geospatial plots. Students will analyze real datasets and use Python, Tableau, R, and other tools to design and prototype their visualizations.

Topics covered

  • Principles of data visualization
  • Exploratory data analysis and visualization
  • Visual perception and graphic communication
  • Design, color, and evaluation of visualizations
  • Common quantitative messages in visualization
  • Basic graph, visualization, and table types
  • Advanced graphs, tables, and visualizations
  • Interactive and dynamic visualizations and dashboards
  • Common visualization tools:
    • Tableau
    • Python, including Altair and plotnine
    • R, including ggplot2
    • Power BI

Course materials

Required materials

All required readings and materials will be posted to the course site.

A laptop with the following software installed is required:

Other tools and packages needed during the semester will be discussed in class. It is each student’s responsibility to configure and maintain their laptop software.

Grading and course components

Component Type Weight
Class attendance and participation Individual 5%
Canvas quizzes and assignments Individual 25%
Projects Individual/Group 20%
Midterm exam Individual 20%
Final exam Individual 30%

Class attendance and participation

Your participation grade will be based on attendance and constructive participation in class. Attendance is mandatory. You may miss up to two sessions for any reason before absences begin to negatively affect your grade. To encourage engagement and participation, you may be randomly called on in class.

Canvas quizzes and assignments

Throughout the term, there will be short quizzes and assignments on Canvas to check your understanding of course content and required readings. Quizzes will be closed book. Keep track of when quizzes open and are due. Once a quiz closes, it will not be made available again.

Projects

There will be two individual visualization projects—one in Python and one in Tableau—each worth 10% of the final grade. The assignments will be posted to Canvas and submitted through Canvas. More details will be provided in class.

Midterm exam

A midterm exam will be given in November. It will incorporate practical and knowledge-based questions. More details will be provided in class.

Final exam

A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of the semester. It will incorporate practical and knowledge-based questions. More details will be provided in class.

Course policies

Communication

I will send announcements to the class at your Emory email address using Canvas announcements and email. You are expected to leave email notifications enabled in Canvas so that you receive all class communications. This feature is enabled by default.

If you email me, I will do my best to reply within 24 hours. If your message is urgent, indicate this in the subject line.

Please keep your emails short and to the point.

Make-ups, late work, and extra credit

Make-up exams, quizzes, and projects may be offered only for excused absences and when arranged in advance. If an exam or quiz is missed because of a medical emergency, a make-up may be arranged if the instructor is notified within 24 hours.

Assignments may be submitted up to one day late for a 20% penalty. There will be no extra-credit assignments.

Honor Code

Every student is expected to be familiar with the Goizueta Business School Honor Code. Some ways in which the code applies to this course include:

  • No student may lie, cheat, copy, or otherwise behave unfairly to obtain an academic advantage over other students.
  • An individual’s name should appear on a report or assignment only if that person contributed. Including the name of someone who did not contribute intellectually violates the Honor Code.
  • You may not refer to assignments, quizzes, exams, or projects from classes offered in earlier semesters unless the instructor specifically provides those materials.
  • Ideas should be attributed to their sources. Acknowledge the main sources of data, facts, and ideas—other than the instructor or textbook—in all assignments and presentations.

Policy on AI use

When used correctly, AI tools can be a valuable resource for learning. You are allowed and encouraged to use these tools for assignments, projects, and homework to the extent that they support your learning. These tools are not completely reliable, and you are fully responsible for the content they generate.

The use of AI tools is strictly prohibited for exams and quizzes because these course components are designed to assess your individual understanding and knowledge.

Access, Disability Services, and Resources

As the instructor of this course, I endeavor to provide an inclusive learning environment and want every student to succeed. The Department of Accessibility Services (DAS) works with students who have disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations. It is your responsibility to request accommodations.

To receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, register with DAS as early as possible and contact me early in the semester to discuss implementation. Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively. For additional information, contact the Department of Accessibility Services at (404) 727-9877 or accessibility@emory.edu.

Health considerations

At the first sign of not feeling well, stay home and seek a health consultation. Consult the campus FAQ for information about obtaining a consultation.

Class-session recording

Classroom lectures will be recorded for reference purposes only. Students are still expected to attend class sessions in person. Lectures, classroom presentations, video-conferencing sessions, and other materials posted on Canvas are solely for educating students enrolled in the course. Releasing this information—including sharing, screen-capturing, or recording content—is prohibited unless the instructor states otherwise. Doing so without permission will be considered an Honor Code violation and may also violate state or federal law, including copyright law.

Students who participate with their camera enabled or use a profile image agree to have their video or image recorded. Students who do not consent should keep their camera off and avoid using a profile image. Students who unmute and participate orally agree to have their voices recorded. Students who do not consent should remain muted and communicate using the chat feature.

Frequently asked questions

How can I do well in this class?

Complete the required readings before class. Be attentive, take notes, and participate in the in-class exercises. Study your notes regularly rather than cramming for exams. Ask for clarification immediately when something is unclear. Talk to me after class or during office hours when you have questions. If you miss a question on an exam or assignment, make sure you understand why your answer was incorrect. Consistent attendance, preparation, participation, and note-taking are important for success in the course.

If I miss an exam or an in-class assignment, can I make it up later?

For exams, a make-up is available only if you arrange it with me in advance, provide a doctor’s note clearly stating that you could not attend school on the day of the exam, or provide a Dean’s Excuse. Some in-class assignments will be available on Canvas and may be completed outside class.

When are scores from quizzes, assignments, and exams posted?

I will do my best to grade quizzes, assignments, and exams and post the results to Canvas within one week of the due date.

If I have an emergency on the day an assignment or project is due, may I submit it late without a penalty?

No. Each assignment will be posted well before its due date. If you wait until the last moment to work on it or do not back up your work, you assume the risk of an emergency or technical problem. Family or medical emergencies may be considered valid excuses when appropriate documentation is provided.

May I meet with you outside your scheduled office hours?

Yes. Email me to arrange an appointment.

Do you offer extra-credit assignments near the end of the semester?

No. There will be no extra-credit assignments.

If I need a particular grade to graduate, maintain a scholarship, or maintain my GPA, would you revise my grade?

No. It is your responsibility to work appropriately throughout the course to earn the grade you need. If you seek extra help, I will be happy to provide it during the semester.