In the very course of being human, we often turn to literature, poetry, art, religion, philosophy, theatre, and film as we seek meaning, beauty, and connection in our lives. Increasingly, we have turned to technology. How might we use computers and digital media to make new discoveries in the arts and humanities? How might we use digital methods to communicate or share our explorations of what it means to be human? This collaborative, project-based course will introduce students to various methodologies in digital humanities, to the use of technology to publish research and creative work digitally, and to critical questions about digital technology and society.

4 units, no pre-requisites

This course satisfies the University of the Pacific GE requirement for Area III-C

 

Fall 2015:  This course meets T/Th 1-2:45 pm in WPC 140.

 

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • use digital and/or computational methods to investigate humanistic and arts-related research questions
  • publish or share research and creative work in the humanities and arts in at least one digital modality
  • articulate analyses of critical questions about technology and society, such as race, gender, and cultural heritage in digital media
  • understand and address issues of openness, privacy, property rights for individuals and communities in digital scholarly communications

Successful completion of this course also contributes to the following University learning objectives:

Critical & Creative Thinking

  • Effectively analyze, integrate, and evaluate information.
  • Construct well-reasoned arguments and solutions.

Communication

  • Prepare and deliver effective forms of communication.
  • Select and use appropriate communication technologies.
  • Adapt communication style to the occasion, task, and audience.

Collaboration & Leadership

  • Work cooperatively with others toward a common goal.
  • Demonstrate effective social interaction skills appropriate to the occasion, task, and audience.

 

Required Readings, Media, and Course Materials:

The core of the course materials will be:

  1. Articles and readings online (linked from the course schedule on this website)
  2. Tutorials and software ((linked from the course schedule on this website)
  3. Videos, images, and other media online (linked from the course schedule on this website)
  4. Selections from M Gold, et al, Debates in the Digital Humanities (on sale in the bookstore and also available online)

To be successful in this course, students will need access to a computer and the internet at home or on campus for significant amounts of time during the semester.