Assignment Checkmark Distributions
DSAN 5650: Causal Inference for Computational Social Science
Assignments will be distributed and submitted via the course’s JupyterHub server. Documentation for the “AutoHint” system can be found here
Main Quests (28.2 Possible ✅s)
These are the required assignments, for which you are expected to (a) make a good-faith attempt, and then (b) demonstrate understanding, by the end of the summer term.
| Main Quest | Due Date | ✅s Possible |
|---|---|---|
| HW1: Probabilistic Graphical Models (PGMs) of Data-Generating Processes (DGPs) | Wednesday, June 3 |
4 |
| HW2: Multilevel Modeling and Cutpoint Estimation with PyMC | Tuesday, June 30 |
4 |
In-Class Midterm |
Wednesday, July 1 |
4 |
| HW3: Propensity Scores and Attitude-Behavior Consistency | Wednesday, July 22 |
4 |
| HW4: Doubly-Robust Estimation, Causal Forests, and Sensitivity Analysis | Wednesday, August 5 |
4 |
| Final Project | Friday, August 7 |
6 |
| Two Required Meetings with Instructors | 1 | |
| Pre-Midterm Consultation | Wednesday, July 1 | 0.5 |
| Final Project Consultation | Friday, July 31 | 0.5 |
| Lecture Attendance | 1.2 | |
| Total | 28.2 |
Side Quests (18 Possible ✅s)
These are assignment which, although they are not mandatory for passing the course, are still essential material that (a) are made to enhance your understanding of various concepts throughout the term, and (b) can also be used as “starter code” if you decide to pursue one of these topics for your Final Project!
| Side Quest | Due Date | ✅s Possible |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Lab Assignments (1 ✅ each) | 8 | |
| Lab 1: Novelty and Resonance in the Debates of the French Revolution, 1789-1791 | Jul 1 |
1 |
| Lab 2: DW-NOMINATE, Latent Ideology, and Campaign Financing | Jul 1 |
1 |
| Lab 3: TBD | Jul 1 |
1 |
| Lab 4: TBD | Jul 1 |
1 |
| Lab 5: TBD | Aug 7 |
1 |
| Lab 6: TBD | Aug 7 |
1 |
| Lab 7: TBD | Aug 7 |
1 |
| Lab 8: TBD | Aug 7 |
1 |
| 8 Reading Adventures (1 ✅ each) | 8 | |
| Reading Adventure 1: How to Do Things with Rhetoric | Jul 1 |
1 |
| Reading Adventure 2: Ethnic Groups in Conflict | Jul 1 |
1 |
| Reading Adventure 3: Hitler’s Willing Executioners? | Jul 1 |
1 |
| Reading Adventure 4: TBD | Jul 1 |
1 |
| Reading Adventure 5: TBD | Aug 7 |
1 |
| Reading Adventure 6: TBD | Aug 7 |
1 |
| Reading Adventure 7: TBD | Aug 7 |
1 |
| Reading Adventure 8: TBD | Aug 7 |
1 |
| Additional Meeting(s) with Instructors (0.5 each) | 2 | |
| Total | 18 |