Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - LING 250 D100

Computational Text Analysis (4)

Class Number: 1357

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2025
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces basics of text analysis through Python programming. Core concepts include: data capture and manipulation; data cleaning and preprocessing; database management; big data; natural language processing; introductory machine learning; text classification. Students with credit for SDA 250 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Mode of Instruction: In person. We will use Canvas to turn in assignments, manage grades, and have asynchronous discussions. Please note that in addition to your grade, I also often provide annotated feedback on your homework submissions. It is to your benefit to review homework on your own time and see where you may want to focus revision.

Grading

  • Check-ins (prefix “C”) 10%
  • Easy checks to make sure you have the basic skills needed to complete “A” and “L” activities. Assignments (prefix “A”) 30%
  • At-home activities that test your declarative knowledge and application of course content. Labs (prefix “L”) 30%
  • Longer-form deliverables that apply course content to real problems in text analysis. In-class exams 30% 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No Textbook is Required. The readings will be available at Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities.

Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.

All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.