CS005: Introduction to Applied Humanities Computing
Fall 2005, Tues/Thurs 5:00-6:15

Hope Greenberg (hope.greenberg@uvm.edu)
http://www.uvm.edu/~hag/cs005
113K Waterman Building
656-1176

Course Description:
The field of humanities computing has been eloquently described as "using information technology to illuminate the human record, and bringing an understanding of the human record to bear on the development and use of information technology." To do so, we need to know what kinds of information technologies are available and how they can be used. As IT keeps changing, we also need to learn how to develop a certain nimbleness in finding, learning, and applying these technologies.

In this course we will explore those information technologies most closely associated with humanities scholarship, as well as some that should be. What do humanities scholars do? Research, read, write, explore, discuss and create new knowledge. So, we will:

* develop web research strategies and create online bibliographies to help develop our study processes
* use blogs for writing and sharing information to explore the potential of online communication
* create web portfolios for organizing scholarly work
* create a wiki to develop our collaborative writing skills
* contribute to our digital library by digitizing images and texts
* get creative by making a digital movie
* reflect on what current digital humanities practitioners say about the field

General Course Goal:
To help you develop your skill at adopting and applying new technologies--to learn how to learn in the context of computing.

Course Objectives:

1) Develop critical thinking skills as you research, discuss, and write with and about information technologies.
2) Learn how to apply current information technology applications appropriately, and learn how to learn new and unfamiliar IT applications.
3) Become astute IT users, thinking not just about the "how" but also about the "why" of IT.
4) Make a lasting contribution to UVM's digital library.

The specific applications you will learn about and use include:

* blogs
* wikis
* web page creation (Composer)
* bibliographies (Endnote)
* digital images (PhotoShop)
* XML documents (OxygenXML)
* digital movies (iMovie)

Course Structure:
A combination of some lecture, discussion (in class and online), and lots of hands-on.

Requirements:
Weekly assignments
50 pts
Participation
20 pts
Project
30 pts

1) Weekly assignments:
Readings - Though a relatively new field, much has been written on the various aspects of humanities computing. Key articles will be read by all class members for individual summary to the blog. Other articles will be read by small groups who will then summarize for the rest of the class. The goal is to build a class expanded bibliography on humanities computing topics and people that gives you a sense of the scope and issues in humanities computing. (generally 2 points each)
Homework - Short assignments to reinforce, augment, or complete class work. (generally 3 points each)

Though the points values for the assignments seem small, they quickly add up. Due dates for each will be specified and once past, are gone forever. Don't let them get away from you!

2) Participation:
In-class contributions, online discussion, blogging, collaboration and attendance.

3) Project:
Creating digital surrogates of historic documents for inclusion in digital libraries is more than just scanning them and tossing them on a web page. It involves scanning, transcribing, analyzing, tagging, assigning metadata, developing stylesheets, and mounting on appropriate servers, following current best practices. Details on how we will do this will be discussed in class.

Required Textbooks/Supplies:
1) Readings will either be on the web or provided through the Library's Online Reserve System. You may read them online or print them out.
2) 1" 3-ring binder for the XML manual.
3) Mini-DV tape.

Schedule:
See the most current schedule at: http://www.uvm.edu/~hag/cs005/schedule.html

Academic Honesty:
Collaboration is good. Plagiarism is bad. Exploring the dividing line between the two has become more interesting in this online age and, as computing humanists, we'll do just that. However, we must also be realistic and so will conform to the University's Academic Honesty Policy as outlined in the Code of Rights and Responsibilities and University Policies.

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