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Research School of Humanities and the Arts · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
New computational tools and methods from digital mapping to 3D modelling to text analysis are being used in diverse disciplines across the Humanities. Technology is also transforming the way that we access and engage with cultural institutions and arts organisations. However, Digital Humanities is more than just using computers for research, it is a highly critical and scholarly field that consciously considers how humanities topics of research and research practices themselves are being transformed in the digital age. This course introduces students to key methodologies and critical theories in digital humanities. Students have the opportunity to learn, trial and evaluate a range of digital methodologies (ranging from digital mapping, data cleaning, 3D modelling, digitisation, metadata and database creation, digital publishing and audience engagement). Students study the ways that digital and computational methods are transforming research in humanities. There is a particular focus on how digital technologies and projects can be used to engage broader society with humanities and cultural sector research (including design for digital audiences, public history and public culture). The course also addresses complex ethical issues around ownership of data, digital repatriation, politics of archives, and the potential for digital activism. The course includes visits to major cultural institutions in Canberra and talks from experts in digital humanities research from across the ANU. No specific technical or computational knowledge is assumed, all students will be supported to work with a range of digital methodologies and practices from whatever level they are at. Students will be given access to the Digital Humanities Lab and its specialist equipment and software. Students will be asked to critically evaluate tools and methods, as well as engaging with key readings, issues and debates, and critical theories. Projects and essays developed for this course may form part of Masters Advanced and Honours thesis projects subject to approval from your supervisor and program convener.
Critical evaluation of a digital tool and/or method
Learning outcomes 1, 5
Critical evaluation of a digital project
Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 6
Class presentation
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4
Major research project
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Participation in class discussions and workshop activities
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
260 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks of weekly seminars and activities. b) 224 hours of independent student research, reading and writing. Work Integrated Learning Other This course supports students to understand the application of digital methods in both research and industry. Several weeks includes talks and engagement with industry experts (eg museums, government) and students have the opportunity to develop a project aimed at a specific industry, or a research based project.
Not applicable Preliminary Reading Whose Digital Heritage?: Contemporary Art, 3D Printing and the Limits of Cultural Property https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09528822.2019.1667629 Collections and/of Data: Art History and the Art Museum in the DH Mode, Matthew Battles, Michael Maizels http://dhdebates.gc.cuny.edu/debates/text/78 Dunn, Stuart. A History of Place in the Digital Age. Routledge, 2019. The Programming Historian https://programminghistorian.org/en/ Software and tools covered may include: GIS and digital mapping 3D scanning and model development Metadata creation and cataloguing with Omeka Python and APIs for accessing and collating data sets Basic app development Digital publishing tools