Math for Activists: How to Sniff out Lies and Make Your Case
We all know that "numbers don't lie." But we also know that statistics can be manipulated. The goal of this class is to resolve this apparent contradiction and to empower us to use mathematics and statistics to understand and advocate for issues of importance.
We'll start by examining the use and misuse of numbers in the newspaper. We'll learn how to extract information ourselves from primary sources like polls or research papers. Finally, we'll experiment with presenting statistical information so that it makes our case to the public and the media.
This course will be valuable for people involved in activism, non-profit work, independent media, and healthcare advocacy. It is also for anyone who wants to understand the sometimes confusing and contradictory statistics they encounter in their daily lives, be it in the newspaper or the doctor's office.
We will meet weekly for six weeks, and we'll have opportunities to take an in-depth look at specific issues of interest to course participants. This course is part of the JP Free Skool.
- When: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8pm, starting September 21st (runs through October 19).
- Where: Basement of 44 Green Street (Meet first night in park across from Green street T-stop to walk over together).
- Registration/Questions: The course is free and no official registration is necessary. To let us know you are coming or to ask questions, contact Angela or Dorea Vierling-Claassen at angelavc at math dot harvard dot edu or dorea at math dot bu dot edu.