Digital Tools and Methods (ARTS20001)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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In this subject, students will learn how to use a range of digital tools and methods in the Python programming language. Students will learn how to learn from, work with and communicate digital data and to undertake data analysis. Students will gain a general knowledge of different tools and the rationales for digital methods. The methods taught may include data visualisation, data cleaning, network analysis and text analysis. Students will learn about how digitisation is affecting research in the Humanities and Social Sciences, and will learn how to obtain, clean and utilise data from the web, databases or society at large. Students will develop a critical understanding of data and modelling, and consider how digital analysis may or may not provide an insight into human society and culture. Throughout the term, students will undertake a number of template research projects in class. One of these templates will then form the basis for students' own Digital Project, which they will write and submit using the principles of reproducible research.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Use a programming language such as R or Python to analyse and visualise data.
  • Understand the range of tools available for Humanities and Social Sciences, and their potential use in research.
  • Undertake a research project that deploys digital tools and methods.
  • Evaluate the use of data and its role in the humanities and social science disciplines.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • Think computationally about a research question
  • Write code to analyse data in a range of contexts
  • Evaluate the use of data and its role in the humanities and social sciences.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Analytic report – critical survey of 2 or 3 digital tools setting out their reasons for selecting one for their digital project. Individually marked.

  • 1000 words
Week 925%

Digital Project – deployment of digital tool on a small data set of student's choice. 1800-Words (equivalent) per student. Individually marked.

  • 1800 words (equivalent)
During the examination period45%

Programming Assignments

  • 1200 words (equivalent)
Weeks 2,4,6,8,10,1230%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures.Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorMichael Falk
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal of 36 contact hours: 1-hour lecture and 2-hour workshop per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    michael.falk@unimelb.edu.au

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Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 March 2025