Information and communication technologies are transforming humanities research. The term ‘digital humanities’ refers to these changes and the intellectual, ethical and methodological challenges they pose. This course provides an introduction to the digital humanities, including its history and impact, theoretical issues it raises, the major methodological debates in this field, and the consequences these are having for humanities scholarship. This course emphasises and develops the analytical skills necessary for working at, and engaging with, the intersection of the humanities and technology. No computer skills (beyond basic familiarity with word processing and Internet access) are required.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. Interpret, analyse and discuss the history of and major recent theoretical developments in the interdisciplinary field of the digital humanities;
2. Analyse and discuss the impact of technology on research in the humanities;
3. Examine and evaluate existing digital humanities projects;
4. Situate your own research interests within the larger context of digital humanities theories and projects;
5. Conduct independent research into digital humanities theories and projects.

Blog/online discussion board – 2500 words (40%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 5]

Essay – 3500 words (60%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

40 hour intensive and 80 hours independent reading, research and online participation.

N/A

Advanced research, writing, analysis and communication abilities in a humanities subject area are assumed, as is beginners' competence and knowledge of word-processing and Internet access.

A Companion to the Digital Humanities (available online: http://www.digitalhumanities.org/companionDLS/)

Access to a computer with an Internet connection.