HMN 305—Digital Humanities Intro Workshop: Spatial Humanities, Mapping, and GIS

HMN 305 teaches students fundamental concepts and methods for the processing of geographic and spatial information in connection with the ways this information is collected from, used within, and generated by digital humanities projects. Class discussions and hands-on exercises will introduce students to basic terminology and popular tools, such as ARC-GIS Online, 3D renderers, or video game engines used to assemble immersive reconstructions of various places and structures in the forms of games or interactive 3D digital simulations. Students will demonstrate understanding of general concepts such as layering and image rectification by making and manipulating maps, GIS datasets, and other visualizations, while honing their skills at deciphering and analyzing the types of claims that can be made on the basis of these research products. This workshop will require preparatory reading, in-class participation, independent research, and the submission of a workshop assignment and reflection as part of each student’s submitted final digital portfolio. Open lab hours following the workshops will offer students additional support in completing their assignments, reflections, and portfolios. HMN 30X workshops are designed as basic or introductory and require no previous skills or knowledge. Students must have passed HMN 201 with a grade of C or higher prior to enrolling in this course.