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(General ITS Workshops) Schedule

Statistics Software Courses

Any class listed below is available upon request of 5 or more people. See www.usc.edu/its/doc/statistics/help/classes/requests.shtml for details.

Click on Class Name to see its syllabus

Dealing With Data -- An Overview for Researchers
This class is a survey of various types and formats of data encountered by the average researcher, including techniques of searching for data in public resources and on the WWWeb. Types of data include raw (ASCII or EBCDIC) data, transport files, and system files such as SPSS Save Files or SAS Data Sets. Structures include rectangular tables and hierarchical or nested configurations. Formats include numeric, character, and binary encoding. Media that store or deliver data include disk, hard drive, diskette, ZIP disk, tape, CD-ROM, Internet (e.g., eMail), UniTree and the WWWeb. The class includes an overview of where data can be found as well as some search strategies for finding data. It also includes a discussion of how some software packages can import externally processed data (such as Excel or dBase files) and even can read each other's data formats. A brief hands-on session shows participants the basic similarities between SPSS and SAS in how fixed and free-format raw data files are processed. There are no prerequisites for this class. 
   <TBA Fall 2007>
SPSS for Windows
This one-session class is a hands-on introduction to the Windows version of SPSS, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Topics include the use of the Data, Syntax and Output windows, the help system, the management and use of raw and SPSS system external files, similarities and differences with SPSS commands on other systems, and interface with the Windows operating system. Users are guided through a complete cycle of statistical computing: preparing data, performing analysis, viewing output. A rudimentary knowledge of the Windows environment is assumed.

   <TBA>
SAS for Windows
This one-session class is a hands-on introduction to the use of SAS in the Microsoft Windows environment. The course is intended for people who have never used SAS for Windows before, or those who would like a refresher. Topics include invoking interactive SAS, the use of the three basic SAS windows (Program Editor, Log, Output), reading and writing text files (data and programs) during a SAS session, and temporary and permanent SAS data sets. Users are guided through a complete cycle of statistical computing: writing and submitting a program, viewing output, revising and resubmitting the program. Since version 9 of SAS includes a full-service point-and-click interface called Enterprise Guide, the last portion of this workshop will consist of a hands-on introduction to Enterprise Guide operations and capabilities for data manipulation and analysis without the need to write a SAS program. Rudimentary familiarity with the Windows environment is assumed.

       Wednesday   March 14, 2007   1-3:30pm   Norris Library (HSC)
       <TBA -- University Park Campus>
Other Stat Software Workshops

Workshops in all other statistics packages supported on UNIX and Microcomputers are available, but may require some lead-time, as some seminar materials have not been developed previously. For a complete list of supported statistics software and related documentation, see:

http://www.usc.edu/its/doc/statistics/help/

Workshops already developed and currently available (though not routinely offered) include:

SAS Language (lecture/discussion only; no hands-on)
 This one-session class is a general introduction to the SAS programming language. The SAS language is used by SAS on all platforms, including DOS, UNIX, Windows and VM. This class may be taken in preparation for the other ITS classes that are system- specific, such as SAS for Windows or SAS Under UNIX. Topics include data reading and data manipulation in the DATA Step, the use of the PROC step to analyze or report data, temporary and permanent SAS data sets, and creating files containing the SAS Log or Output. This course is lecture, demonstration and discussion only (no hands-on).

SAS for the Macintosh
 This one-session class is a hands-on introduction to the Macintosh version of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Topics include hardware requirements, file management, creation and use of SAS data sets in the Macintosh environment, and a demonstration of the Display Manager System (DMS) as implemented in the Mac version. Sample programs are discussed to illustrate the use of SAS Statements. Students should have a working knowledge of the Macintosh environment, and should be familiar with the basic SAS DATA and PROC steps.

SAS/GRAPH
This one-session class is a hands-on introduction to using the SAS system for producing high-quality graphic images. Before attending this class, you should have attended an ITS class on basic SAS (Windows, Macintosh or UNIX), or be an experienced user of SAS. Topics include the basic PROCedures available, and the use of SAS/GRAPH in interactive and batch processing. In addition, students will be introduced to the SAS data bases available for producing maps of the United States and the world. The class is normally conducted, and demonstrations given, in the MS Windows environment, but the majority of information is applicable to all SAS platforms. The class can be taught using any supported platform (Windows, Macintosh, UNIX) by special request.

SAS under UNIX
This one-session class is a hands-on introduction to the use of SAS in the UNIX environment. Topics include invoking interactive SAS, the use of the Display Manager System (the three-screen interactive setup of SAS), reading and writing UNIX files during a SAS session, and temporary and permanent SAS data sets. Users are guided through a complete cycle of statistical computing: writing and submitting a program, viewing output, revising and resubmitting the program. Since version 9 of SAS includes a full-service point-and-click interface called Enterprise Guide, the last portion of this workshop will consist of a hands-on introduction to Enterprise Guide operations and capabilities for data manipulation and analysis without the need to write a SAS program. Participants should login and verify their UNIX accounts prior to the class to facilitate hands-on participation.

New Features in SAS Version 7, 8 and 9
Versions 7, 8 and 9 of the widely-used SAS software provide several new features, and require some caution when users upgrade from previous versions. This class provides an overview of these issues to help users begin to use the Nashville Release (Versions 7, 8 and 9) of SAS and convert their work from previous versions (usually Version 6). The lecture and demonstration will cover topics that include longer variable and SAS name lengths, case sensitivity, different internal structures for SAS data sets and catalogs, and the Results window with its links to the new Output Delivery System (ODS). If time permits, a short hands-on session will demonstrate the differences between traditional ASCII output and the new HTML output option. There are no prerequisites for this class, but a familiarity with SAS for UNIX and/or SAS for Windows is assumed.

SPSS Language (lecture/discussion only; no hands-on)
 This one-session class is an introduction to the language used by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) running on any platform. This class may be taken in preparation for the other ITS classes dealing with SPSS in a specific environment, such as SPSS for Windows or SPSS Under Unix. Topics include data reading and manipulation (the DATA LIST and other commands), procedure commands for statistical analysis and reporting, and the use of external files for input and output, including SPSS save files. This course is lecture, demonstration and discussion only (no hands-on).

SPSS under UNIX
This one-session class is a hands-on introduction to the use of SPSS in the UNIX environment. Topics include invoking SPSS, the use of the Manager (i.e., the SPSS Editor and Menu system), reading and writing UNIX files during a SPSS session, temporary and permanent SPSS data files, and the basics of the SPSS language. Users are guided through a complete cycle of statistical computing: writing and submitting a program, viewing output, revising and resubmitting the program. Participants should login and verify their UNIX accounts prior to the class to facilitate hands-on participation.

SPSS for the Macintosh
This one-session class is a hands-on introduction to the Macintosh version of SPSS, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Topics include the use of the Data spreadsheet, the Syntax and Output windows, the help system, the management and use of raw and SPSS system external files, and interface with the Macintosh operating system. Users are guided through a complete cycle of statistical computing: preparing data, performing analysis, viewing output. A rudimentary knowledge of the Macintosh environment is assumed.

Advanced classes in statistics software can be developed, when five or more people request the class and work with ITS to develop the topics that the class will cover. Advanced classes must be closely tailored to the specific needs of those requesting the instruction so that the topics covered are relevant to the people attending.

Examples of advanced statistics software class include:

SAS Advanced
 This class is a continuation of other SAS classes offered by ITS. It can cover the following subjects in the Statistical Analysis System (SAS): SAS/FSP (direct editing and browsing of SAS data sets); the use of Macros in SAS; formats and format libraries; subsetting, merging and other SAS data set manipulations; and other advanced applications. Generally, the course is tailored to the Advanced-SAS needs of those attending. It is recommended that users attend other ITS SAS classes or have a working knowledge of SAS before attending this class.

Advanced SPSS Q and A
This session is designed to build upon the knowledge gained in the basic SPSS classes offered by ITS. There is no agenda or syllabus for this workshop, as it is often difficult to predict what kinds of things people need to know beyond the basic class information. Rather, the two-hour time period will be spent answering specific questions, posed by those who attend the class, regarding more advanced operations in SPSS programming, point-and-click, and data manipulation. (The class is not designed for discussion of statistical issues or problems.) Questions can be submitted in advance by sending eMail to the instructor: <gpjones@usc.edu>, or questions may be asked during the session itself without prior notification. Pre-submitted questions, as well as topics covered in past semesters, will be posted as they are received at

for the benefit of attendees. Prerequisites: obviously, prior knowledge and experience with basic SPSS operations (any platform) is assumed.

Advanced SAS Q and A
This session is designed to build upon the knowledge gained in the basic SAS classes offered by ITS. There is no agenda or syllabus for this workshop, as it is often difficult to predict what kinds of things people need to know beyond the basic class information. Rather, the two-hour time period will be spent answering specific questions, posed by those who attend the class, regarding more advanced operations in SAS programming, point-and-click, and data manipulation. (The class is not designed for discussion of statistical issues or problems.) Questions can be submitted in advance by sending eMail to the instructor: <gpjones@usc.edu>, or questions may be asked during the session itself without prior notification. Pre-submitted questions, as well as topics covered in past semesters, will be posted as they are received at

for the benefit of attendees. Prerequisites: obviously, prior knowledge and experience with basic SAS operations (any platform) is assumed.

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