WELL0200 Introduction to Digital and Computational Methods in the Human Sciences (1–5 cr)

The course introduces you to digital humanities and computational methods for research in the humanities and social sciences. You become familiar with a range of approaches to digital data (e.g., text analysis, network analysis, simulation, and data visualization) and explore the role of artificial intelligence in the research process. Introductory programming skills are introduced as a practical foundation for working with data and computational tools. Examples and applications are drawn from research on wellbeing, illustrating how computational approaches can contribute to understanding quality of life. Throughout the course, attention is given to the epistemological, ethical, and critical dimensions of working with digital data and computational methods. Practical exercises complement conceptual discussion, allowing you to gain hands-on experience with selected research methods and software.

• describe key digital and computational research methods for data collection, preparation, and analysis in humanities and social science research.
• recognize the epistemological, ethical, and methodological considerations involved in using computational approaches, including generative AI, in human sciences research.
• use selected software tools and workflows to carry out basic digital research tasks in a reproducible and ethically informed manner.
• interpret the results of computational analyses by connecting them to relevant disciplinary knowledge and context.
• outline a small-scale research project that combines computational and interpretive approaches, articulating both the potential and the limitations of the methods used.