This course will introduce students to some of the major concepts, practices, and implications involved in the use of digital technologies in the humanities – the group of academic disciplines interested in examining what it means to be human from cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives. From the vantage point of these new ‘digital humanities’, we will examine the contemporary shift away from a predominantly print culture to one that is increasingly digital and online, while at the same time analysing and critiquing the emerging cultural practices that accompany this development. In so doing, we will seek to better understand the historical influence of new technologies on how we think of ourselves and our cultural heritage, both individually and collectively; how we interact socially and politically; how we determine public and private spaces in an increasingly connected world; and how we can use digital technologies to produce, preserve, and study cultural materials.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. understand the implications of digital technologies for the humanities and, more generally, contemporary culture;
2. analyse and critique the convergence of cultural and social practices that are emerging from the use of digital technologies;
3. formulate research questions and gather evidence from reliable sources (both digital and material) to construct informed arguments about digital culture; and
4. communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using a variety of media.

Required Resources

Students are expected to access class materials through the course website and Wattle learning platform.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Individual written feedback on individual assignments given through Turnitin.
• General feedback in lectures and tutorials on assignments and written assignments.
• Feedback in tutorials on projects and methods done for tutorials.
• Peer feedback in tutorials and class forums.
• Further individual feedback is also available upon request.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to HUMN1001
2	Personalization Algorithms, Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles
3	How to do Research
4	Death and Dying Online
5	Dealing with the Consequences
6	The Quantified Self
7	Resisting Rape Culture in Digital Society
8	Deep Web
9	Wisdom of the Crowds + Crowd-to-Action
10	The Cyber World
11	Artificial Intelligence
12	Students Presentation / Meta Lecture

Tutorial Registration

Please register for a tutorial group on wattle.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	05/03/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	12/03/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	19/03/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	26/03/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	06/04/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Midterm Assessment: Conference Paper and Associated Academic Poster	40 %	06/04/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	23/04/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	30/04/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	07/05/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	14/05/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review	2 %	21/05/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4
Final Assessment: Multimedia Resource	40 %	21/05/2021	28/05/2021	1, 2, 3, 4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

This course relies on active, engaged participation in class activities and tutorial discussions. Participation (the assessment criteria for tutorials) will be judged on students’ preparedness to discuss the tutorial topics and weekly readings. Attendance to tutorials is not sufficient on its own, you will also be expected to actively contribute to the discussions.

Assessment Task 1

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 2

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 3

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 4

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 5

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 6

Midterm Assessment: Conference Paper and Associated Academic Poster

You have been invited to present a poster session at the World Forum on Being Human in the Age of Information. You must provide a) a 1,500 word short paper written in the conference template, and b) an A1 sized academic poster (submitted as a PDF).

The topic of your presentation must be approved by your tutor. A number of suggested topics will be provided by the lecturer. The template for the paper is available on Wattle.

Note: You have the choice of working individually or in a small group (up to 4), all members will receive the same mark. 

This assessment counts for a total of 40% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 7

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 8

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 9

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 10

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 11

Weekly Tutorial Participation and Peer Review

The purpose of the tutorials is to develop and refine your skills in Research, Analysis, Presentation and Delivery. These are essential skills you will use in the mid-term and final assignments as well as in your future studies at ANU. 

Each week, working in small groups (4-5) you will respond to a question based on the current lecture/reading topic. Your group will research the topic from set readings and research; formulate a group response; prepare materials and make a 5-minute presentation to the class. 

The presentations will be assessed by both your tutor and the class. 

Credit will also be given for your participation, collaboration and the quality of your peer assessment. 

Note: This is a formative task and the final grade will be a compilation of weekly marks. Non-attendance results in zero marks.

This assessment counts for a total of 20% of your overall mark for the course.

Assessment Task 12

Final Assessment: Multimedia Resource

Reach out to the public!

Your task is to produce a multimedia resource exploring a major topic in Digital Culture: a podcast, blog/vlog post or video, 5 mins or equivalent (30%); accompanied by a 2-3 page Critique of your group’s process (10%). This assessment counts for a total of 40% of your overall mark for the course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Work will be returned electronically through Wattle

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Students who fail an assignment may discuss with the course convener options for doing alternative assessment.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students