VCU Sociology

M.I.T. computer scientist Alex Pentland explains There's a reason every government and corporation wants to hoard as much data on as many people as possible. Gather enough data, says Alex "Sandy" Pentland, director of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Human Dynamics Laboratory, and you can achieve a "God's-eye view of humanity". Students practice theory construction and analysis by teasing out the social theory at work in our contemporary version of a "data driven" society. With some guidance we tease out theories of action, self, and social cohesion. We contrast that with some examples of a more conflict theory data driven society.

This issue of Diversity & Democracy examines the levers for and barriers to faculty and student participation in publicly engaged scholarship and teaching, particularly in the arts, humanities, and design fields. Published in partnership between AAC&U and Imagining America: Artists and Scholars in Public Life, the issue showcases best practices for advancing publicly engaged scholarship through classroom and community collaborations, tenure and promotion policies, and higher education leadership.