Text Mining and Analysis : Python Learning Atelier

RDS Python Learning Atelier

An atelier is like a workshop, but it’s one where master artisans invest time in complex works. This free Python learning program from NU library's Research Data Services offers the chance to go more in-depth than a typical workshop, while still being less formally demanding than a class. No homework or grades — just a supportive structure and expert advice.

What will we do?

During our designated meeting times, you will work at your own pace through a curated textbook with hands-on practice exercises. Any time you get stuck, the library’s Text Mining Specialist Lawrence Evalyn will be on-hand to clarify and troubleshoot. At the close of each meeting, the group will have time for shared questions and show-and-tell for your developing code creations. Between meetings, you have nothing to worry about — just come back next week to pick up where you left off.

Who is this for?

The program is intended for programming beginners anywhere at NU (students, staff, and faculty), especially those who are not confident in their computational fundamentals. This program is also intended for those who want to reach some level of independent fluency with programming, and are ready to commit an extended period of time to learning with their cohort.

The RDS Python Learning Atelier chooses a different thematic textbook each time it runs, so you should also consider whether the current topic resonates with you. If it doesn’t, feel free to send Lawrence Evalyn your suggestions for the next session’s topic.

Upcoming textbook - Automate the Boring Stuff with Python: Practical Programming for Total Beginners

This free textbook by Al Sweigart teaches programming fundamentals through hands-on projects. Projects include developing custom automations for simple but time-consuming tasks like renaming and organizing thousands of files, automatically extracting text from websites (web scraping), and working with Excel, Word, and PDF files. This textbook is not aimed at a particular discipline, so it might be a good fit for anyone who frequently does “computer work”.

How to join

Sign up for the RDS Python Learning Atelier through this online form. You can also contact Lawrence Evalyn with questions at l.evalyn@northeastern.edu. For the Spring 2025 cohort, please register by December 23. Lawrence Evalyn will reach out in early January to finalize our meeting schedule.

Meeting times and dates

The program will run for two semesters, Spring 2025 (in person) and Summer 2025 (virtual), with our first meeting the week of January 13. As a cohort, we will find a mutually acceptable time and day of the week to meet for 2 hours at Snell library. Our meetings will be self-paced, so it’s OK if you have to miss a session now and then – when you come back the next week, you can pick up where you left off.