Digital Humanities Team

"Humanities and Digital Technologies"

In this subject, we will explore how digital technology is transforming humanities research and what new possibilities it is creating. Through a step-by-step approach, we will learn from the basics to advanced applications, considering together what can be achieved with digital technology and what challenges arise. Additionally, we will learn through hands-on experience how to effectively combine traditional research methods with digital technology.

The goal of this subject is for students to be able to utilize digital technology in student's own research and discover new approaches. The subject will be conducted in an on-demand format to make it accessible for students from five different majors. Additionally, an environment will be provided using online tools such as Slack, where students can ask questions anytime and engage in discussions with others.

"Introduction to Digital Humanities"

Humanities, which observe human activities and achievements in the long term and in depth, is a field of study that is especially necessary now, as AI is rapidly integrating into society. In this lecture, we will provide a multifaceted overview of why engaging with the humanities is essential for society and why it is necessary to apply digital technology to the humanities.

This lecture is a slightly theory-heavy subject that incorporates the essential elements for applying knowledge and technology from information science to humanities research. Topics include the basics of information science, copyright and licensing, comparisons between AI models and the brain, types of historical materials, spatiotemporal data, structuring information, visualization of image and text data, citizen science, simulations of collaborative research, and mini-lectures by researchers utilizing cutting-edge DH methods. The subject serves as an introduction to DH research being conducted worldwide.

In addition, for DH-specific technologies, we will provide explanatory videos and programs that can run directly in a web browser. Even for those who have never created a program, you can run them as many times as needed while understanding the flow of operations at your own pace, which increases the likelihood of being able to apply these techniques to your own research.

Finally, in the last lecture, you will present the results of a simulation of collaborative research conducted in interdisciplinary student groups. As you progress in DH research, you will consider what types of research have been conducted so far, what data and methods will be needed moving forward, and you will reflect on these points gradually while communicating with your group.

"Implementing Digital Humanities"

Through concrete examples centered on actual texts and image data, students will gain practical experience in programming and analytical techniques, while also cultivating the ability to academically interpret the results of their own reconstructions and explain them to others.

For those involved in the humanities, most likely, there has been little opportunity to experience programming until now. However, starting from scratch to learn programming can be challenging. Therefore, we have provided an opportunity to gradually understand the mechanisms by using various online tools that can run in a web browser, allowing you to execute different DH-related programs while gaining hands-on experience.

Additionally, the final session of the eight sessions will be a "DH Startup Consultation Session, " where we will share and resolve various questions related to introducing DH. This is an opportunity to receive advice on issues such as which equipment you need at home, where to find the necessary materials, and how to structure your own research data.

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These three subjects provide learning that builds a bridge between information science and the humanities, offering useful knowledge and skills for students aiming to become researchers or pursue advanced professional careers. You can start with any of the subjects without any issues.
It is also included in the "Digital Humanities" advanced minor program, which fosters interdisciplinary knowledge.