Macquarie University

Digital Research Methods for Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences - FOAR705

This unit explores cross-disciplinary approaches to research that fall under the rubric of eResearch, the aim of which is to use technology to solve scholarly problems in humanities, arts and social science disciplines. We will begin by asking what forms eResearch can take, specifically how digital approaches can help answer particular research questions. Students will learn how to frame questions, find appropriate tools and solutions, acquire the knowledge required to deploy those solutions and present results in an accessible way. In short, students will cultivate their ability to 'learn how to learn' digital approaches and software tools. The main output of this class is a proof-of-concept deployment of a digital tool or approach that advances each student’s provisional thesis topic.

Topics covered include:
• Defining eResearch, knowledge infrastructure, data and related concepts
• Overview of major approaches and tools
• Framing questions
• Selecting appropriate approaches
• Finding and learning appropriate tools
• Managing data
• Project management
• Digital presentation and visualisation
• Digital publication and data sharing

This unit includes approaches used by or useful for research in many disciplines. Students are encouraged to bring their own disciplinary perspectives to the course and will explore how their own research can benefit from digital methods.