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This course is designed as an exploration of the process whereby history moves from “atoms” to “bytes” or from text to a combination of media types. The course also takes a look at a variety of ways in which computers help educators and researchers carry out their tasks and enrich their work as well as the ways in which computers hinder practitioners by wasting their time and mental energy. In other words, the course will provide a practical introduction to the pros and cons of digital history. Among the topics to be considered are: criteria for digital history information and aesthetic design, technology and history discourse, issues in history web page construction, technical constraints and opportunities, and future possibilities for digital history. Principally, students will design and implement three-part project, including a web exhibit, a formal essay, and a web essay. This is an experimental course, so flexibility and a willingness to “go with the flow” are necessary.
 Download (378.18 K) HIST 616 in RTF
Download (266.20 K) HIST 616 in PDF |
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The following books are required for the course. Except for the Not a Typewriter texts, they are available in the campus bookstore. (Not knowing how many in the class were Mac or Wintel users makes ordering difficult. The Typewriter texts can be found at most large bookstores or online, but you are responsible for securing the book more appropriate for your situation.) Although there is no text particularly aimed at the historians or doing digital history, you may be interested in exploring other topics—both theoretical and practical—pertaining to digital design and content. You may also find it necessary to photocopy or print of articles pertinent to your individual projects.
Edward Tufte
-- Visual Explanations
Tim Berners-Lee
-- Weaving the Web
Robin Williams
-- The Non-Designer's Book
Scott McLeod
-- Understanding Comics
Robin Williams
-- The Mac (or PC) is Not a Typewriter
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