Syllabus - IDST 270 - Fall 2021
Introduction to Digital Humanities
Course Information
Assignments
Schedule
Policies
Instructor - Dr. Deanna Stover
email: deanna.stover@cnu.edu
course website: https://deanna-stover.github.io/coursesCNU/2021/idst270fall2021
office hours: MWF 10:30 - 11:30 am and by appointment
office location: McMurran 213 (virtual appointments also available - see Scholar for more information)
Office hours are your time to come talk to me about anything related (or unrelated) to class. This time is yours, I am not (supposed to be) doing anything else; you will not be interrupting me. If you have questions about class or have other questions I might be able to answer, please schedule an appointment (see Scholar for more information on how to do this).
Course Description
Catalog Description: This course introduces students to the digital humanities by raising the question of what precisely constitutes this new and emerging field. Students explore how digital media and technology have transformed multiple disciplines in the humanities as well as humanities research. Theoretical questions regarding post-humanism, privacy, print culture, copyright, and more are discussed. Students produce digital artifacts related to a field of traditional humanities study.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize and discuss Digital Humanities and its importance to cultural heritage and storytelling (i.e gain a basic understanding of DH and Critical Making)
- Design digital and analog artificats that incorporate critical thinking and research
- Improve ability to communicate effectively using digital media
- Develop and demonstrate comfort and adaptability with computers and technology
According to a study of US employers conducted by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, 93% of the employers surveyed agree that “a candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than their undergraduate major.” Some of the most highly valued skills include: digital literacy, the ability to analyze and interpret data, creative thinking, and the ability to communicate through writing. This course addresses all of these topics, and will provide you with transferable skills to take into the workforce (or graduate school), no matter your major(s) or minor(s)–but do consider the DH minor if you haven’t already.
Assignments
| Assignment |
Due Date |
Percentage |
| Media Journal |
5 Check-Ins |
25% (5% each Check-In) |
Museum Project
* Proposal
* Final Project |
9/21
10/08 |
5%
20% |
Twine Project
* Proposal
* Game
* Essay |
10/22
11/22
11/22 |
5%
20%
15% |
| Final Reflection |
Finals Week (see schedule) |
10% |
You will be writing media journal entries (a combination of links, images, text, etc.) using Wakelet based on things we do in and out of class. There will be five due dates throughout the semester.
After reading about CNU and (if COVID scheduling allows) visiting the 60 Years of Significance historical exhibition, you will create an analog or digital artifact that thinks critically about the history and/or current state of CNU.
You will develop a Twine Game about a social issue related to CNU or college students more broadly. We’ll learn some basic HTML and CSS for this (and maybe even some JavaScript–gasp!), but don’t worry! It will be fine! You’ll also write a short essay describing the choices you made in your design as well as the research behind your Twine Game.
Based on your Media Journal and the feedback you receive from me, you will compile a polished final media reflection on the course and DH more generally.
Grading Scale
A: 93 - 100
A-: 90 - 92
B+: 87 - 89
B: 83 - 86
B-: 80 - 82
C+: 77 - 79
C: 73 - 76
C-: 70 - 72
D+: 67 - 69
D: 63 - 66
D-: 60 - 62
F: 0 - 59
Schedule
Readings should be done before class. This schedule is subject to change (thanks, COVID).
Content Warning: some of the readings (especially the games) deal with sensitive topics. If you have serious concerns about your ability to read/play something, please talk to me.
Week 1
Week 2
Mon 08/30
- No class. Start reading for this week.
Wed 09/01
- Phillip Hamilton, Part 1, Chapter 1, “A College from Scratch,” Serving the Old Dominion: A History of Christopher Newport University, 1958-2011 (available on Scholar)
Fri 09/03
- Phillip Hamilton, Part 1, Chapter 2, “A Changing College Amid Changing Times,” Serving the Old Dominion: A History of Christopher Newport University, 1958-2011 (available on Scholar)
Week 3
Mon 09/06
- Phillip Hamilton, Part 2, Chapter 1, “Dealing with the ’70s,” Serving the Old Dominion: A History of Christopher Newport University, 1958-2011 (available on Scholar)
Wed 09/08
- Phillip Hamilton, Part 2, Chapter 2, “Challenges and Changes,” Serving the Old Dominion: A History of Christopher Newport University, 1958-2011 (available on Scholar)
Week 4
Mon 09/13
- Phillip Hamilton, Part 3, Chapter 1, “A New Vision and New Directions,” Serving the Old Dominion: A History of Christopher Newport University, 1958-2011 (available on Scholar)
Wed 09/15
- Phillip Hamilton, Part 3, Chapter 2, “A University for the Twenty-First Century,” Serving the Old Dominion: A History of Christopher Newport University, 1958-2011 (available on Scholar)
Week 5
Mon 09/20
- No class. Instead, go to the Chronicling the Captains: Sixty Years of History at Christopher Newport Exhibition (located in Trible Library) Note: there will be a Media Journal entry about this
- Museum Proposal due Tuesday, September 21st by 11:59 pm
Wed 09/22
- No class. Virtual meetings with me instead. If you have feedback from me, start working on your projects.
Fri 09/24
- No class. Virtual meetings with me instead. If you have feedback from me, start working on your projects.
Week 6
Mon 09/27
- No class. Virtual meetings with me instead. If you have feedback from me, start working on your projects.
Week 7
Wed 10/06
- No readings. Soft deadline - aka a Showcase
Fri 10/08
- No class.
- Final Museum Project due by end of class period TODAY
Week 8
Mon 10/11
No Class
Fall Recess
Week 9
Fri 10/22
- Kris Ligman, “You Are Jeff Bezos”
- Spent
- Twine Proposal (with suggested bibliography) due TODAY by 11:59 pm
- Media Journal (#3) due Sunday by 11:59 pm
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Fri 11/12
- Peer Review (Twine Game and Essay Outline)
- Media Journal (#4) due Sunday by 11:59 pm
Week 13
Fri 11/19
- Peer Review (Twine Game and Drafted Essay)
Week 14
Mon 11/22
- Twine Game and Essay due TODAY by 11:59 pm
Wed 11/24
No Class
Thanksgiving Break
Fri 11/26
No Class
Thanksgiving Break
Week 15
Fri 12/03
- No readings. Review Day. Come ready to talk about the course and fill out your evaluations!
- Media Journal (#5) due TODAY by 11:59 pm
Finals Week
- 12:00 - 12:50 class: Final Reflection due Monday, December 6th between 2:00 and 4:30 pm
- 1:00 - 1:50 class: Final Reflection due Friday, December 10th between 2:00 and 4:30 pm
Policies
A Note on Covid-19 and Attendance:
I want you to be in class, but I also understand that COVID-19 and everything that goes along with it (mental health, for one) are going to make this semester especially difficult. And, of course, life goes on so there is always the possibility of 2021 sending even more curve balls our way. Because of this, I won’t have an attendance policy, but (and this is a big BUT), if you aren’t present two class days in a row, I will be checking in on you. I want to know you’re okay.
And, while there’s no strict attendance policy, not coming to class will likely affect your grade. We’ll be discussing important topics in class and going over assignments, so without it, you may struggle. This is all to say, please come to class if you can. However, if you feel ill in any way, it is imperative that you stay home. Please don’t put your classmates or me at risk.
Technology:
Because we will be working a lot with technology, you should expect to spend time out of class familiarizing yourself with new technologies and software. I also encourage the productive use of technology in class, but please don’t distract yourself or others.
Late Work:
For each day an assignment is late, I will be subtracting five points. That said, if you need an extension, please do reach out to me before the deadline! Life gets complicated sometimes, especially right now. I’m happy to work with you! Just make sure you’re talking to me before things are due.
University Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:
The Christopher Newport University community engages and respects different viewpoints, understands the cultural and structural context in which those viewpoints emerge, and questions the development of our own perspectives and values, as these are among the fundamental tenets of a liberal arts education.
Accordingly, we affirm our commitment to a campus culture that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines, and offers every member of the University the opportunity to become their best self.
Understanding and respecting differences can best develop in a community where members learn, live, work, and serve among individuals with diverse worldviews, identities, and values. We are dedicated to upholding the dignity and worth of all members of this academic community such that all may engage effectively and compassionately in a pluralistic society.
If you have specific questions, suggestions or concerns regarding diversity on campus please contact diversity.inclusion@cnu.edu.
Disabilities:
In order for a student to receive an accommodation for a disability, that disability must be on record in the Office of Student Affairs, 3rd Floor, David Student Union (DSU). If you believe that you have a disability, please contact Jacquelyn Barnes, Student Disability Support Specialist in Student Affairs (594-7160) to discuss your needs.
Students with documented disabilities are to notify the instructor at least seven days prior to the point at which they require an accommodation (the first day of class is recommended), in private, if accommodation is needed. The instructor will provide students with disabilities with the reasonable accommodations approved and directed by the Office of Student Affairs. Work completed before the student notifies the instructor of his/her disability may be counted toward the final grade at the sole discretion of the instructor.
Success:
I want you to succeed in this course and at Christopher Newport. I encourage you to contact me during office hours or to schedule an appointment to discuss course content or to answer questions you have. During the Coronavirus pandemic, our conversations may need to be via electronic means. If I become concerned about your course performance, attendance, engagement, or well-being, I will contact you first. I also may submit a referral through our Captains Care Program. The referral will be received by the Center for Academic Success as well as other departments when appropriate (Counseling Services, Office of Student Engagement). If you are an athlete, the Athletic Academic Support Coordinator will be notified. Someone will contact you to help determine what will help you succeed. Please remember that this is a means for me to support you and help foster your success at Christopher Newport.
Academic Support:
The Center for Academic Success offers free tutoring assistance for Christopher Newport students in several academic areas. Center staff offer individual assistance and/or workshops on various study strategies to help you perform your best in your courses. The center also houses the Alice F. Randall Writing Center. Writing consultants can help you at any stage of the writing process, from invention, to development of ideas, to polishing a final draft. The Center is not a proofreading service, but consultants can help you to recognize and find grammar and punctuation errors in your work as well as provide assistance with global tasks. Contact them as early in the writing process as you can!
You may contact the Center for Academic Success to request a tutor, confer with a writing consultant, obtain a schedule of workshops, or make an appointment to talk with a staff member about study skills and strategies. The Center is located in Christopher Newport Hall, first floor, room 123. You may email academicsuccess@cnu.edu or call (757) 594-7684.
Course Materials:
All content created and assembled by the faculty member and used in this course is to be considered intellectual property owned by the faculty member and Christopher Newport University. It is provided solely for the private use of the students currently enrolled in this course. To ensure the free and open discussion of ideas, students may not make available any of the original course content, including but not limited to lectures, discussions, videos, handouts, and/or activities, to anyone not currently enrolled in the course without the advance written permission of the instructor. This means that students may not record, download, screenshot, or in any way copy original course material for the purpose of distribution beyond this course. A violation may be considered theft. It is the student’s responsibility to protect course material when accessing it outside of the physical classroom space.
The CNU Honor Code, Academic Integrity, and Plagiarism:
All members of the CNU community are bound by the University’s Honor Code, which states: “On my honor, I will maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity and personal responsibility. This means I will not lie, cheat, or steal and as a member of this academic community, I am committed to creating an environment of respect and mutual trust.” Plagiarism is a direct violation of standards of academic integrity. Your work for this course must be your own new and original work. If you use any outside sources, you must give credit to the original author by clearly identifying words or ideas borrowed or paraphrased. Purchasing papers online, copying a paper from another student at CNU or elsewhere, and submitting your own previously written work from another course without specific written permission from both instructors also “count” as plagiarism. Additionally, if you allow another student to copy your work, you are also in violation of the Honor Code. If you do not understand this definition of plagiarism, it is your responsibility to discuss this topic with me further.
Beyond being a violation of the Honor Code, plagiarism is deeply disappointing behavior. It demonstrates dishonesty and an inability to think for yourself. If you plagiarize on any assignment in this course, you will fail that assignment. Repeated instances of plagiarism may result in failing the course. I will report all plagiarism to the appropriate University authorities.
Safety Protocols Specific to COVID-19 and Academic Instruction:
Offering in-person instruction on campus requires everyone to take individual responsibility for reducing the risk of exposure for all campus community members both inside and outside the classroom. Irresponsible behavior jeopardizes not only your own health, but also that of your fellow students, friends, professors and advisors, and members of our staff. Therefore, you are expected to learn and diligently follow the safety protocols required by the University at all times. The following protocols apply specifically to instructional spaces and academic buildings.
Prior to leaving their residence hall room or home, students should:
- conduct daily health screenings; and
- pack CDC-approved face covering(s)
Students cannot enter instructional spaces or academic buildings if they:
- are experiencing symptoms of any illness, regardless of whether they believe the illness to be COVID-19;
- are in isolation while waiting for COVID–19 test results;
- have been directed to quarantine by a University or health department official; or
- have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have not been approved to return to campus by a healthcare provider.
All students must comply with safety protocols established by the university while inside instructional spaces, common areas, and offices. These protocols are subject to change, but as of 16 August 2021 include:
- attend only the classes and sections in which they are officially enrolled;
- sit in their assigned seats or work at their assigned stations every class period;
- wear a CDC approved face covering at all times* (face coverings should cover the nose and mouth, be secured under the chin, and fit snugly against the sides of the face);
- use additional personal protective equipment as required for specific classes;
- refrain from sharing personal materials, such as pens, textbooks, etc., with others;
- follow all directional signs; and
- follow directives regarding office hours and advising appointments.
*Students who have received an exemption from the face covering requirement for health reasons must present the proof of the exemption provided by the Office of Student Affairs to the instructor upon entering the instructional space.
Because non-compliance potentially endangers others, faculty members:
- are authorized to instruct anyone in non-compliance with safety protocols to correct the non-compliance or immediately leave the instructional space; and
- may submit referrals to CHECS to report non-compliance with safety protocols.
Faculty members may submit referrals through the Captain’s Care Program to report absences as a way of identifying students who may have become ill. It would be appropriate to do so when students have not attended class or communicated with the faculty member in any way for a period of one week or longer.
I owe thanks to Andrew Pilsch for some of the language in this syllabus and for the code that helped to create it and to Anastasia Salter’s Critical Making for Humanist Scholarship Fall 2021 syllabus for some of the readings and games on the schedule.
