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Syllabus

AMST 298/ RHCS 279 / WGSS 257 / WGKP : Introduction to Digital Humanities

Fall 2018 | Monday 3:00-5:40 | Gottwald A201

Instructor: Dr. Lauren Tilton | ltilton@richmond.edu | 408 Weinstein / RHCS | Office Hours: MW 11:45-12:45

Course Description:

Digital Humanities or “DH” brings the application of computing to humanities questions. In this course, we will explore applying computational methods including text analysis, mapping, and network analysis to humanities data. Our guiding questions include:

  • Why and how to apply computational methods to the humanities?

  • Which methods are best for which forms of inquiry?

  • What forms and kinds of scholarly inquiry are made possible?

  • What are the challenges and limitations of DH?

We will address these questions while learning different methods. Generally, the first half of class will be dedicated to discussing the readings, and the second half will be a lab where we will apply the methods. By the end of the course, we will be able to:

  • Identify and apply a set of DH methods
  • Articulate the possibilities and limits of a set of DH methods
  • Understand how DH can help pose and answer scholarly questions
  • Develop strategies for working collaboratively in the humanities

The course will culminate in a final project. No prior programming experience expected or required.

Schedule

Overview

Date Topic
2018-08-27 Introductions
2018-09-03 Text Analysis I
2018-09-10 Text Analysis II
2018-09-17 Text Analysis III
2018-09-24 Text Analysis IV
2018-10-01 Text Analysis V
2018-10-06 Text Analysis Assignment Due
2018-10-08 Network I
2018-10-15 Fall Break
2018-10-22 Network II
2018-10-29 Final Assignment / Lincoln Mullen Talk
2018-11-2 Network Assignment Due
2018-11-05 Spatial Analysis
2018-11-12 Spatial Analysis
2018-11-19 Project Workshop
2018-11-25 Spatial Analysis Assignment Due
2018-11-26 Computational Critique Through the Humanities
2018-12-03 NEH Grant Presentations
2018-12-13 NEH Grant Due

Detailed

Subject to change.

Due to the tornado, the readings below will be for 10-01. For 09-24, we will discuss Goldstone and Underwood, Signs@40 and Assignment 1. Please come to class with your data including metadata and ngrams.

  • 2018-09-24 Text Analysis IV

See email. Adjusted due to Tornado.

  • 2018-10-01 Text Analysis V

See email.

2018-10-06 Text Analysis Assignment Due (Moved due to Tornado.)

2018-10-12: Data Assignment Due

2018-11-2: Network Assignment Due

  • 2018-11-05 Spatial Analysis

    • Readings:

    • Assignment Prep: In preparation for your final project, please answer the following in writing: (1) provide a paragraph description of a possible project for your NEH grant, (2) outline 2-3 humanities questions the project will help pose and/or answer, and (3) identify which DH methods the project will use. Plese print your answers. I will be collecting them at the end of class.

    • Lab: Data

  • 2018-11-12 Spatial Analysis

  • 2018-11-19 GIS/ Project Workshop

    • Develop your ArcGIS Map and 5 sections of your StoryMap. If you having challenges completing a certain tasks, please write them down. We will go over them in class.
    • Come to class having completed the first part of Lab 10: Grant Workshop.

2018-11-25: Spatial Analysis Assignment Due

Evaluation

% of Grade Type
20% Participation and Attendance
40% Four Short Assignments (10% each)
40% Final Project (5% Presentation, 35% Grant)

Participation & Attendance:

  • Participation. Students will be assessed on the basis of "quality" participation, which entails active engagement in class and undivided attention. Each class, we will walk through the questions Weekly Discussion Questions section at the end of this syllabus. To facilitate an undistracted environment, no laptops, cell phones, iPhones, etc. will be permitted only during labs unless I indicate otherwise. If you are caught using one of these devices during class time, your class participation grade will be adversely affected. If you feel strongly about using a laptop in class, please see me to discuss.
Grade Expectations
A Student demonstrates superior preparation for class; draws connections between readings and other course materials; shows excellent critical thinking skills; contributes significantly to discussion, elevates the level of discussion; comments in a thoughtful manner
B Student demonstrates solid preparation for class; offers analyses of texts; contributes to the advancement of discussion; student is consistently involved; shows a willingness to challenge ideas and concepts
C Student shows basic preparation but is sporadically involved in class discussion; shows some critical engagement with course concepts; participates infrequently
D Student is present but is not involved in class discussion; shows little engagement with course materials
F Student has missed more than three classes; attendance is a consistent problem; makes no effort to communicate with professor

Attendance:

Students are expected to be in class on time. However, merely showing up for class does not guarantee "A" participation. See below for class participation assessment guidelines. Students are permitted one (1) unexcused absence over the course of the semester. Additional absences will result in a class participation grade penalty of .3 points/class, unless valid documentation is provided within one week of the absence. If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to inquire about what they have missed. Absences due to university activities (e.g., sports, debate, etc.) must be discussed with the instructor before the relevant class period(s). An official notice must be shown to the instructor. Arrangements concerning absences are entirely at the instructor’s discretion. Absences, unless for documented illness, emergency, or university business, will result in a loss of participation points. More than three absences will constitute grounds for failing this course. Whenever you miss class, you should get notes from another student. Note sharing is encouraged.

I am more than happy to answer questions regarding course materials, however, it is your responsibility to be in touch with me.

Short Assignments

Assignment Due Date
Text Analysis 2018-09-21
Network Analysis 2018-11-02
Spatial Analysis 2018-11-23

Final Project

Assignment Due Date
NEH Grant Presentation 2018-12-03
NEH Grant Due 2018-12-13

Grades:

Grades will be given on a 4.0 scale.

  • Grade Updates: I am happy to speak with you at any point in the semester to discuss your progress in the course. I am available during office hours as well as by appointment.
  • Grade Complaints: Should you wish to challenge a grade,I require that you email me within one week of receiving your grade to set up a meeting to discuss. I will not entertain grade complaints via email.
  • Late Work: Late work receives a 1/3 of a grade deduction [ex. 3.7 (A-) to a 3.3 (B+)] for each day it is late. You’ve almost make is through this syllabus. If you’ve read this by September 7, email me your favorite meme and you will receive an extra day to turn in an assignment if you need it.

Student Accommodations:

I would like to hear from anyone who has a disability or a special challenge that requires some modification of seating or other class requirements so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Please see me after class or during office hours.

Academic Integrity:

Students are expected to pledge the following statement on all assignments turned in for credit, including exams, papers and laboratory reports: "I pledge that I have neither received nor given unauthorized assistance during the completion of this work.” Academic honesty is—defined broadly and simply—the performance of all academic work without cheating, lying, stealing, or receiving assistance from any other person or using any source of information not appropriately authorized or attributed. The University of Richmond and I personally take academic honesty very seriously. All students are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of honesty and integrity in every phase of their academic careers. The penalties for academic dishonesty are severe and ignorance is not an acceptable defense. For more information on URʼs commitment to building intellectual integrity, visit: http://studentdevelopment.richmond.edu/student-handbook/honor/the-honor-code.html

Academic Support

The Writing Center (http://writing.richmond.edu or (804) 289-8263) assists writers at all levels of experience, across all majors. Students can schedule appointments with trained writing con- sultants who offer friendly critiques of written work. The Writing Center is located in Boatwright Library on the first floor in the Research Commons area and we have a Writing Consultant assigned to our course. If you experience difficulties in this course, do not hesitate to consult with me. There are also other resources that can support you in your efforts to meet course requirements.

  • Academic Skills Center (http://asc.richmond.edu, 289-8626 or 289-8956): Assists students in assessing their academic strengths and weaknesses; honing their academic skills through teaching effective test preparation, critical reading and thinking, information con- ceptualization, concentration, and related techniques; working on specific subject areas (e.g., calculus, chemistry, accounting, etc.); and encouraging campus and community involvement.
  • Boatwright Library Research Librarians (http://library.richmond.edu/help/ask/ or 804-289-8876): Research librarians assist students with identifying and locating resources for class assignments, research papers and other course projects. Librarians also provide research support for students and can respond to questions about evaluating and citing sources. Students can email, text or IM or schedule a personal research appointment to meet with a librarian in his/her office on the first floor Research and Collaborative Study area.
  • Career Services (http://careerservices.richmond.edu/ or 289-8547): Can assist you in ex- ploring your interests and abilities, choosing a major or course of study, connecting with internships and jobs, and investigating graduate and professional school options. We en- courage you to schedule an appointment with a career advisor early in your time at UR.
  • CounselingandPsychologicalServices(http://wellness.richmond.edu/offices/caps/or289- 8119): Assists currently enrolled, full-time, degree-seeking students in improving their mental health and well-being, and in handling challenges that may impede their growth and development. Services include short-term counseling and psychotherapy, crisis intervention, psychiatric consultation, and related services.
  • Disability Services (https://disability.richmond.edu/students/index.html or 289-8032): The Office of Disability Services works to ensure that qualified students with a disability (whether incoming or current) are provided with reasonable accomodations that enable that student to participate fully in activities, programs, services and benefits provided to all students. Please let your professors know as soon as possible if you have an accommodation that requires academic coordination and planning.
  • Speech Center (http://speech.richmond.edu or 289-6409): Assists with preparation and practice in the pursuit of excellence in public expression. Recording, playback, coaching and critique sessions offered by teams of student consultants trained to assist in developing ideas, arranging key points for more effective organization, improving style and delivery, and han- dling multimedia aids for individual and group presentations.
  • Writing Center (http://writing.richmond.edu or 289-8263): Assists writers at all levels of experience, across all majors. Students can schedule appointments with trained writing consultants who offer friendly critiques of written work.
  • Boatwright Library Research Librarians(http://library.richmond.edu/help/ask/ or

Support Outside of the Course

Although your time at UR should be a positive experience of learning and personal growth, we care about your wellness.

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): (Phone # 804) 289-8119): Assists currently enrolled, full-time, degree-seeking students in improving their mental health and well- being, and in handling challenges that may impede their growth and development. Services include short-term counseling and psychotherapy, crisis intervention, psychiatric consultation, and related services.

Violence and harassment do exist on college campuses, including here. If you experience violence of any nature or are suffering in any other way, you are encouraged to turn to the offices below to get the support and protection you need. Please also remember that Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are civil rights offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, etc.

The University of Richmond is committed to providing maximum support for all students who have experienced sexual or other violence and strongly encourages students to report any incident. All college services are available to those who have experienced violence, regardless of whether or not a student intends to file a formal complaint. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted – sexually or otherwise – the campus community has structures in place to support its students.

Resources for students include:

  • Student Health Center: (804) 289-8064
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): (804) 289-8119 (CAPS@richmond.edu)
  • Chaplaincy: (804) 289-8500 (if you desire confidentiality, speak only to ordained personnel)
  • Academic Advising Resource Center: (804) 287-6574
  • Coordinator for Sexual Misconduct Education and Advocacy: (804) 289-8654
  • Student Development Office: StudentDevelopment@richmond.edu
  • Westhampton College Dean’s Office: (804) 289-8468
  • Richmond College Dean’s Office: (804) 289-8061
  • URPD: (804) 289-8911 (or 911 if dialing from campus phone); non-emergency: (804) 289-8715