Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide skills in the field of Python programming. At the end of the course the students: 1) will know elementary data structures and basic programming constructs; 2) they will be able to modify and write programs written in Python to manipulate and analyze texts, acquiring useful skills for humanists.
Prerequisites
Given the introductory nature of the course, no specific prior computer skills are required. In any case, the previous attendance of the course "Informatica Umanistica" is recommended.
Course unit content
The topics covered will be the following:
- introduction to programming
- introduction to the Python language
- uso di Google Colab
- variables
- conditional statements
- cycles
- functions
- input and output of files
- lists and dictionaries
- dataframes
Each topic will be addressed with practical examples relating to the manipulation and analysis of texts.
Full programme
Bibliography
In addition to the slides presented in class, the following teaching materials freely available online will be used:
- How to Think Like a Computer Scientist (Learning with Python): http://openbookproject.net/thinkcs/python/english3e/
- Python 101: http://python101.pythonlibrary.org/index.html
Teaching methods
Lessons in which theoretical parts and practical laboratory activities with the computer are combined.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam will consist in the realization of a project in Python to be carried out at home and in the related discussion with the teacher during the oral session. The evaluation will be based on:
- Correctness and functioning of the program
- Complexity of the work performed
- Quality of documentation
- Quality of the oral discussion of the project
Other information
Attendance is strongly recommended. There is no difference in program between attending and non-attending students.
