This course introduces the use of computational methods for studying culture and society. We will learn how to transform textual and visual material into data, and how we can explore and analyze this data using machine learning and statistical models as both quantitative and qualitative tools. We will also survey and discuss how these methods are applied within the humanities and social sciences, as well as reflect on the challenges, limitations, and ethical issues that arise in the computational study of culture and society.

This course introduces the use of computational methods for studying culture and society. We will learn how to transform textual and visual material into data, and how we can explore and analyze this data using machine learning and statistical models as both quantitative and qualitative tools. We will also survey and discuss how these methods are applied within the humanities and social sciences, as well as reflect on the challenges, limitations, and ethical issues that arise in the computational study of culture and society. This course counts as an Elective toward the INFORM major.

The course provides an introduction to machine learning algorithms and applications. Machine learning algorithms answer the question: "How can a computer improve its performance based on data and from its own experience?" The course is roughly divided into thirds: supervised learning (learning from labeled data), reinforcement learning (learning via trial and error), and real-world considerations like ethics, safety, and fairness.

Algorithmic systems are at the center of today's digital world, and mediate communication processes in areas as diverse as social media, journalism, healthcare, and governments. How do algorithmic systems capture, represent, and transmit information about everyday interactions? How do they shape, and are shaped by, social, cultural, and political life? What kind of new issues and concerns arise from their ubiquitous use? This course provides a critical introduction to algorithmic systems, and how they relate to issues of communication, power and inequalities in society.

The 9-week Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) program helps participants develop a self-care routine to help manage stress, improve their outlook and enhance their quality of life. Developed at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, the PART program teaches participants a variety of mind body practices and self-care interventions:
-How to recognize their personal responses to stress
-Meditative techniques that elicit the relaxation response

The 9-week Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) program helps participants develop a self-care routine to help manage stress, improve their outlook and enhance their quality of life. Developed at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, the PART program teaches participants a variety of mind body practices and self-care interventions:
-How to recognize their personal responses to stress
-Meditative techniques that elicit the relaxation response

The 9-week Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) program helps participants develop a self-care routine to help manage stress, improve their outlook and enhance their quality of life. Developed at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, the PART program teaches participants a variety of mind body practices and self-care interventions:
-How to recognize their personal responses to stress
-Meditative techniques that elicit the relaxation response

The 9-week Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) program helps participants develop a self-care routine to help manage stress, improve their outlook and enhance their quality of life. Developed at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, the PART program teaches participants a variety of mind body practices and self-care interventions:
-How to recognize their personal responses to stress
-Meditative techniques that elicit the relaxation response

The OASIS Seminar for Transfers is designed for incoming transfers, to help them make a smooth transition, identify programs of interest, and be successful at UMass. Students will learn how to: navigate UMass requirements, opportunities, resources and procedures; clarify their choice of major; ensure timely progress toward graduation; and position themselves for careers and other post-graduate options.

Economic theory of the macro-economy. Determinants of unemployment rates, inflation rates, national income, GDP. Tools of public policy available which can be used to promote macroeconomic goals. (Gen.Ed. SB)