HIS4240 ¨C Digital History and the History of Print

Course content

Today we are entering a new era in which digital tools are changing our understanding of the world at lightning speed. In this course we will explore how we can use these new technologies to ask innovative questions in the field of history.

The focus of the course will be on the history of printing in early modern Europe, particularly in the Spanish Empire. We will begin with the invention of the printing press in the mid-fifteenth century, before moving on to the vibrant culture surrounding the printed word in the context of the Renaissance, Baroque and early Enlightenment. Through the case study of the Spanish Empire, we seek to understand the cultural impact of printing on the consolidation and transformation of European states and how it influenced their colonial expansion around the world.

Throughout the course, we will discuss various topics related to the history of printing in early modern Europe, such as production processes, printing privileges, censorship, and circulation. At the same time, we will discuss topics in the field of Digital Humanities, such as relational databases, GIS, and social network analysis, using the software program Nodegoat. Previous experience of using digital technologies is desirable but not essential. Through a series of practical exercises, we will gradually work towards a network analysis of printers in the Spanish Monarchy. We will do this in groups and in a series of blocks, so please note that it is important that you are able to attend all of the sessions. The course will be taught in English.

Learning outcome

On completion of this course you will be expected to

• Have a general understanding of what 'digital humanities' is and be able to assess its benefits and limitations.
• Be able to implement and use digital tools such as relational databases and digital repositories for historical analysis.
• Develop a general knowledge of European book history, critically reading and discussing case studies on the subject.
• Improve key academic skills such as oral presentation, academic writing and critical thinking.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester?register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.

Recommended previous knowledge

A good ability to read and understand English is required for this course.

Teaching

This course will have four main sessions, two shorter technical sessions on Nodegoat, and one final session for group presentations.?

Compulsary assignments:?

• Group project: entry of approximately 50 records into the Nodegoat database using the PARES repository.
• An oral presentation in which students present their group projects and ideas for the final paper.

Detailed information will be given in class and in Canvas.

Examination

The course is assessed by a portfolio. The portfolio must consist of the following:?

• An individual essay analyzing the information gathered and detailing the conclusions that can be drawn from the dataset. Your paper must not exceed 2000 words. This paper must draw on the concepts analyzed in class, including readings, lectures and discussions.?
• A reflective report on the use of the digital tools used in class, of maximum 800 words.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.