Module Identifier HY33620  
Module Title HISTORIANS AND COMPUTERS  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Michael F Roberts  
Semester Semester 2  
Mutually Exclusive HY33220 Single or Joint Honours History students only, HY33320 , HY33720 , HY33820 , HY34320  
Course delivery Lecture   6 Hours  
  Seminars / Tutorials   6 Hours  
  Practical   5 Hours 5 x 2 hours  
Assessment Semester Assessment   Assignment: 1 x 5,000 word project   60%  
  Semester Assessment   Essay: 2 x 1,500 word essays   40%  

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
a) Demonstrate a wide range of knowledge of computing techniques as these have been used by historians
b) Demonstrate familiarity with comparative perspectives on the history of IT and its use by historians in their research and in the presentation of their findings
c) Demonstrate an understanding of a range of approaches to the study of historical computation/quantification
d) Read, analyse and reflect critically on primary texts
e) Develop the ability to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of particular historical arguments and where necessary challenge them.
f) Gather, sift and critically assess both primary and secondary source materials
g) Work both independently and collaboratively and to participate in group discussion
h) Develop the ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of particular features of web-site design
i) Acquire competence in the construction of a web site in collaboration with the other students taking the module

Brief description

This module will consider the history of computing, with particular emphasis on its social and cultural effects. The implications of computing and data processing for historical research will be discussed with regard to particular examples, drawing attention to both the benefits as well as limitations of this new technology. The module will also introduce students to a range of computing applications from basic word processing skills to the manipulation of spreadsheets and statistical packages, as well as to the range of information available on the Internet or World Wide Web.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
E Mawdsley & T Munck. Computing for Historians: an introductory guide.
J-P Genet & Zampolli. Computers and the humanities.