This course allows students to develop and critically assess a range of digital humanities skills, research methods, and best practices. Students will be asked to engage with cutting-edge research methodologies in the growing interdisciplinary field of the digital humanities, focusing on the issues and approaches that directly address the ongoing digitisation of our shared cultural record. The scope and scale of these issues will allow students to investigate a variety of humanities questions in a project-based manner across multiple media and using various methodologies. Students will experiment with at least four different types of data— drawn from existing open-access digital humanities collections—along with corresponding data analysis techniques to answer a set of humanities-related research questions. These methods may include: digitisation techniques, text encoding and analysis, data gathering and analysis, 'distant reading' and data mining, network analysis, data visualisation, linked open data, and geo-spatial mapping.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- analyse and discuss the impact of digital technologies on research in the humanities;
- examine and evaluate a variety of digital humanities research methods and practices;
- investigate the use of new digital methods in order to address a set of existing humanities research questions; and
- effectively communicate research methodologies and results in the context of the wider digital humanities scholarly community.
Research-Led Teaching
This course gives students the opportunity to work onto real-life research and development projects. In 2019 students will be part of an ANU/NMA collaboration to generate creative and innovative new approaches to digital outreach in museums.
Field Trips
Visits to the National Museum of Australia in Weeks 2, 4, and 12. No cost to students. Museum can be accessed via short 15 minute walk from the ANU campus, by bus (including the free Culture Loop shuttle https://www.nma.gov.au/visit-us/plan/culture-loop-shuttle-bus), or by car/bike. The NMA has disabled parking and a fully accessible gallery spaces https://www.nma.gov.au/visit-us/accessibility.
Additional Course Costs
None.
Required Resources
Internet access Students are expected to access class materials through the course website and Wattle learning platform. Your ANU student email (via Wattle) will be used regularly to communicate important information about class activities and assessments so you must check it regularly.
Recommended Resources
Students are encouraged to bring laptops to class where possible. The DH Lab is fully eqipped with high-powered computers that will be made avilable for students to use, but use of some resources will need to be shared during class time. The lab will be avilable to use outside of class time by arrangement with the course convenor.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- Written feedback on individual assignments
- General feedback in seminars on submitted work.
- Feedback in seminars on work being done during class time.
- General feedback on class forums
- Peer feedback in tutorials and class forums
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.
Other Information
Group Work
Where appropriate and discussed with lecturer students may choose to work in groups of up to 3 on a project. In this case students may submit a joint project build, but it will be expected to reflect the work of 2 or 3 rather than 1 student. Each student must submit an original and unique reflection as part of the final exegesis even where work was carried out in a group. Please discuss these expectations with your lecturer before proceeding on group work.?
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Introduction to HUMN3001 Digital Humanities Lab Induction Talk from Matthew Noonan from the NMA about the Defining Moments project. This course aims to give all students the opportunity to work on real projects and with different institutions, the course is a bit different every year. In 2019 all students will work with the National Museum of Australia to develop digital prototypes of projects that are designed to help the museum achieve a better type of digital engagement. The museum has identified 'Digital Futures' as a key part of strategic plan, and in this project we are going to investigate how this can align with the Museum's role as an educator. In a country the size of Australia digital apps, websites, and other online content can play a vital role in reaching audiences and students who may not be able to visit the museum. It also offers the potential to unlock the museum collections (most of which is not on display) and to allow the museum to tell stories and ignite debate in new and different ways. | |
2 | Visit the NMA for a tour with Matthew Noonan (Education) and Lead Curator of the Defining Moments to look at interactive exhibits, and a range of the Defining Moment objects and stories around the museum. | |
3 | DH Lab time - students to develop their project ideas for the 'Project Pitch Presentation' in Week 4. | |
4 | Project Pitch Week at the NMA! This week each student/group will pitch their project idea to a panel at the museum. Each project will recieve detailed feedback. | Project Pitch due in class - oral presentation 10 minutes accompanied by slides as appropriate. |
5 | Focused Lab time to start work on projects. Discussion of how to create a appropriate milestones and timelines. Identify skill gaps, tools, methods for project. | |
6 | Lab time to work on projects Project plan feedback and discussion. | Project Plan and milestone due Monday 1st April (for feedback on Friday) |
7 | Lab time to work on project | |
8 | Lab time to work on projects | |
9 | Lab time to work on projects | |
10 | Lab time to work on projects | |
11 | Lab time to work on projects | |
12 | Final presentation of project at the NMA | Final presentation due in class - 10 minutes per student/team with slides and live demos as appropriate. |
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Project Pitch | 20 % | 22/03/2019 | 29/03/2019 | 1, 2, 4 |
Project Plan and Milestones | 20 % | 01/04/2019 | 05/04/2019 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Final demonstration of project | 20 % | 31/05/2019 | 07/06/2019 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
Final Project | 40 % | 14/06/2019 | 28/06/2019 | 1,2,3,4 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
This course relies on active, engaged participation in class activities. Participation is not graded but engagement with talks, discussions, and demonstrations during lab time (including offsite visits) will be essential to completing the final project to a high standard.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 4
Project Pitch
Students will prepare a pitch for their project idea that will be presented to the course convenor and lecturer and staff at the NMA.
Students will be marked on presentation, enthusiasm, and professionalism, as well as on the concept for the project and the feasibility of it.
The feedback from this assessment will be constructive and will support studengts in refining their ideas for the final project.
Assessment Rubrics
25% Quality of oral presentation (engagement, clarity, fluency, delivery)
25% Quality of visual aids
25% Creativity and originality
25% Relevance of project concept to stated aims requested by the NMA
Value: 20%
Presentation requirements: In-class presentation using any available presentation software
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Project Plan and Milestones
The main aim of this assessment is to support students to devise a realistic and achievable plan for completing their project by the deadline. Each student/group will recieve detailed feedback in person.
The project plan should be detailed (app 1000 words) and include a timeline for completion, details of challenges and possible obstacles, identification of support that may be required (ie need a demonstration of 3D scanning), software and/or hardware required (SLR camera, mapping software etc), if working in a group how responsibilities for work will be shared.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4
Final demonstration of project
Students will give a 10min presentation and demonstration of their project build to their peers and to staff from the NMA. Students are epxected to attend all presentations, which will take place during the seminar slot in Week 12, and to actively contribute to the Q&A sessions associated with each demonstration.
Assessment Rubrics
25% Quality of oral presentation (engagement, clarity, fluency, delivery)
25% Relevance of project build to the NMA requirements for the project
25% Creativity and originality
25% Completeness of project being presented
Value: 20%
Presentation requirements: In-class presentation using any available presentation software
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4
Final Project
The final project build should be as complete as possible. Stduents will have an additional two weeks after the final presentation to refine/fix or make small changes as suggested by feedback following the presentation. The final project should be accompanied by 1000 word exegesis that evaluates your work, explains how it compares to similar projects, details the workflows, and reflects on the challenges and personal learning experiences of completing the project. Students working in groups should *each* write individual reflections for the exegesis.
Assessment Rubric for the Research Build
25% Completeness of build
25% Relevance of chosen build
25% Critical engagement and understanding the data/content
25% Creativity and originality
Assessment Rubric for Exegesis
20% Evaluation of research build
20% Situating your project in existing research
20% Quality of argument and information
20% Presentation, organisation, referencing, and coherence of expression
20% Justification of chosen build in a wider context
Exegesis to be submitted through Wattle as PDF. Project builds will be submitted in different ways depending on software used (pdf upload, website url supplied etc) – please submit as requested by lecturer.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) as submission must be through Turnitin. Assignments must include the cover sheet available on Wattle.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations or for in class presentations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.
Returning Assignments
Feedback will be provided through Wattle or in person in class.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Resubmission of Assignments
Students who fail an assignment may discuss with the course convener options for doing alternative assessment.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research Interests |
Dr Katrina Grant
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Dr Terhi Nurmikko-Fuller
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