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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand several digital humanities methodologies;
- apply digital humanities methodologies;
- understand the development of digital humanities from a theoretical and methodological standpoint;
- speak with confidence about the methodologies of digital humanities to peers;
- have the confidence and capacity to trial, learn and evaluate a range of digital tools and methods; and
- understand how to develop a program of research and/or project for a research project that foregrounds digital methods.
Other Information
This course is open to all students wishing to engage with Digital Humanities Theories and Methodologies. It is interdisciplinary and supports students from Humanities, Social Sciences, Computer Science, etc.
Indicative Assessment
- Demonstration of a digital tool ( equivalent 1000 words) (15) [LO 1,5]
- Demonstration of a digital project ( equivalent 1000 words) (15) [LO 1,3,4,6]
- Class presentation ( research proposal 1500 words) (20) [LO 2,3,4]
- Major Research Essay (3000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,5,6]
- Participation in class discussions and workshop activities (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks of weekly seminars and activities.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
NA
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
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4080 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $5280 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3182 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |
