From text to tech: Digital literacy and the transformation of history, 7.5 ECTS
The aim of this course is to critically examine the technologies supporting historical research and to train participants in the critical handling of humanities data. Participants will develop a foundational understanding of theoretical concepts and gain practical experience in tools and methods for organising and analysing data, based on their own doctoral projects.
Course Content
Historical research is undergoing a profound transformation. Digitalisation is giving rise to new types of sources, while older materials are being digitised and archives are being relocated from physical repositories to abstract clouds on remote servers. At the same time, access to digital source material is creating new opportunities for computer-assisted analysis.
Situated at the intersection of digital humanities and digital history, this course explores the field’s increasing reliance on digital technologies and trains participants in the critical engagement with and analysis of humanities data.
Teaching consists of seminars, hands-on workshops, and discussions of ongoing research within the framework of the Digital History Seminar. The workshops address topics such as structured data, data modelling, database construction, the application of AI in humanities research, and various forms of distant reading.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to
• Demonstrate a deepened understanding of the transformation of historical research in the digital age,
• demonstrate data literacy, i.e., a critical ability to understand and evaluate data
• possess the ability to use open source tools for organising and analysing humanities data.
Practical Information
Examination
Assessment is conducted continuously through mandatory submissions prior to each workshop and through active participation in all teaching activities.
Mandatory elements
Attendance is mandatory. Absence from one session requires a compensatory assignment.
Instruction
The course consists of compulsory seminars and hands-on workshops held on campus. These combine lectures, seminar discussions, and participant presentations.
Please note: The course is offered on campus.
Course Start: 9 September 2025
Course dates
• 9 September, 10:00–15:00
• 16 September, 13:00–15:00
• 30 September, 10:00–13:00
• 14 October, 10:00–15:00
• 21 October, 13:00–15:00
• 4 November, 10:00–13:00
• 11 November, 13:00–15:00
Language of Instruction
The course is open to participants who do not speak Swedish and will be offered in English if required.
Application to the Course
Application Period
Applications for courses starting in the autumn semester 2025 are received between May 15 and June 15, 2025. Notifications of acceptance are sent out as soon as possible after the final date.
All applications are sent by the supervisor to: doctoralschool@hum.su.se. Official transcript of records, or certificate of registration, verifying the applicant's status as doctoral student should be enclosed with the application.
All courses are free of charge, and they are open to all who are admitted to studies on PhD-level, regardless of faculty or university. Prerequisites and special admittance requirements may apply for some courses.
How to Apply
The application form (document link below) is used to apply for a place in a course. The supervisor (or equivalent) must support the doctoral student’s application with a motivation as to why the doctoral student should participate in the course. The supervisor also submits the proposal to the following address: doctoralschool@hum.su.se.
Application form for place in a joint faculty course (368 Kb)
Doctoral candidates enrolled at universities other than Stockholm University must attach proof of registration in Ladok (or equivalent), confirming admission to third-cycle (doctoral) studies.
Who can apply?
The Faculty of Humanities’ doctoral students have priority for places, and external doctoral students (from Stockholm University or another university) can be admitted to a course subject to availability. External doctoral students will be registered in Ladok in order to enable the Board to monitor all participants in a course.
Contact
Course coordinator: Sune Bechmann Pedersen
Additional lecturers: Karolina Enquist Källgren and Birgit Tremml-Werner
The course is offered by the Department of History, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Aesthetics.
Last updated: May 20, 2025
Source: Områdeskansliet för Humanvetenskap