Learning objectives
Classical tradition. The course aims to enable students to deepen their knowledgment and understanding about the tradition and survival of classical texts from late antiquity trough Medieval ages , Humanism and the Renaissance up to modern ages, and to develop and apply original ideas, also in a research context They will be able to apply their knowledgment and understanding also in new or unfamiliar environments within multidisciplinary context, showing a good competence in placing classical authors in their historical and cultural context and having the ability of formulating judgements also with limited information,.. They will be able to communicate their conclusions clearly and unanmbiguously, using suitable methods of historical analysis , having the learning skills to continue to study in an autonomous manner.
Humanities computing. The course aims to provide students with adequate knowledge about the fundamental issues of digital humanities with particular reference to information organization and retrieval.
(knowledge and understanding)
The course will introduce students to a critical understanding of the issues and technologies related to the processing of digital information. This knowledge will be achieved and supported with lectures, seminars, conferences, study visits, and will be screened with oral examinations.
(applying knowledge and understanding)
The study of methodologies and the techniques of document analysis will produce an understanding of the structure and content of digital documents and information systems. This knowledge, together with the examination of the main legal issues relating to these realities, will offer document processing skills appropriate to the proper management of documents in digital context.
(making judgements)
At the end of the course the students, based on the analytical knowledge of both theoretical and technical system, should have acquired the ability to understand the management problems of an information system as well as to learn the fundamental knowledge for a) information retrieval; b) implementation of a basic digital library system.
(communication skills)
At the end of the course, students should have achieved the ability to communicate clearly and to use the appropriate technical vocabulary related to the issues of the course.
(learning skills)
The commitment on the theoretical and disciplinary aspects of information science should give students the appropriate methodology and learning skills useful for access to future professions related to communication, journalism, management of cultural heritage.
Prerequisites
Basic computer skill
Course unit content
Classical tradition. Issues of classic tradition from late antiquity to medieval and humanistic ages to the Renaissance. What’s a classic? This the question that Eliot dealt with in a famous essay. Moving from some passages by Aulus Gellius concerning about that very problem, the course focuses on the renewed interst for classical authors in Carolingian revival (ex. Lupus of Ferrières), in Humanism and in the Renaissance (ex. Poggius Bracciolini, Politianus)
Humanities computing. Information organization and retrieval: indexing systems and information research in Internet
Full programme
Classic tradition.The beginning of the course is scheduled for the first part of the second semester .
Humanistic computing.The beginning of the course is scheduled for the second part of the second semester (around the second week of April). The final course bibliography will be provided during the course.
Bibliography
Tradizione classica. Quaderni del ramo d'oro, n. 4, Siena, Protagon Editori Toscani, 2001
Atti del convegno “I Classici nella bufera della modernità” svoltisi a Siena nel 1999. Further reading is provided during the lessons.
Informatica umanistica.
Alberto Salarelli, Introduzione alla scienza dell’informazione, Milano, Editrice Bibliografica, 2012.
- TERESA NUMERICO – DOMENICO FIORMONTE – FRANCESCA TOMASI, L’umanista digitale, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2010
Teaching methods
Classical tradition. Frontal lessons and classes. Students will be encouraged to participate in classroom lessons through individual accounts and seminar.
Humanities computing. The course consists of lectures and exercises in classroom or in laboratory.
During the lectures the general issues relating to science and the development of information systems for database management will be discussed. Lab activities are planned.
These activities are designed to provide the opportunity for each student to be able to define the design of stand-alone solutions to the real problems. These activities will be planned in such a way that within each exercise, the student can achieve practically the solutions of the problems outlined during theoretical lessons
Assessment methods and criteria
Classical tradition. The exam consists of an interview covering syllabus topics. Students will show their deep competence about the tradition and survival of classical texts, placing authors in their historical and cultural context. Students will be assessed on:written and oral proficiency; language property; working out contents; ability to make inter-disciplinary connections; proper use of specialist language; ability to give proper answers to given questions.
Humanities computing. The oral exam is a final evaluation of the topics covered in the lectures and the
texts listed in course bibliography
The final score will be calculated by the arithmetic mean of the partial scores of the two courses
Other information
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