Syllabus

Wednesday 3:30-5:50 pm,

Manly 210

Prof. Michael J. Altman
michael.altman@ua.edu
205-348-7223
Office: Manly 205
Office hours: Mon. 11a-12pm, Thu. 2-3pm

Course Description

This cross-disciplinary course introduces students to the methods of the digital humanities by applying those methods to the study of religion. Students will learn a variety of digital methods and tools and apply those to data drawn from religious studies. Students do not need a background in computing or religious studies.

Course Objectives

  • The course will provide an introduction to digital humanities in religious studies.
  • The course will introduce digital tools and platforms for research, scholarly communication, and public engagement.
  • The course will discuss the current state of digital humanities in the field of religious studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students analyze and review a digital humanities project.
  • Students design and build a prototype digital humanities project.
  • Students use content management systems to build a digital collection.
  • Students produce audio that presents religious studies research to a broad public.
  • Students discuss theoretical issues in the digital humanities and religious studies.

Required Software and Web Tools

Required Texts

Available from the SUPEstore and through various online sellers.

Class Requirements

  • Weekly Blogging (30%): Each Tuesday, students must post a blog post to their own blog. The topic of the post will vary and will be given out during the class meeting prior. The posts should be between 500 and 1000 words.

 

  • Two Presentations (20%): Twice during the semester you must make an informal presentation to the class. Once of these will be a review of a digital humanities project. The other will be a summary of a chapter from Debates in the Digital Humanities. More details on these presentations to come.

 

  • DH Prototype (25%): Working with up to 2 other people, you will develop a prototype of a digital humanities project using one of the tools/skills you learned in this class.  More details to come.

 

  • Attendance, Participation, mini-projects (25%): As this is an advanced seminar, you are expected to attend the class, be prepared for the class, and participate in the class. Assignments and projects are expected to be completed on time. If you miss class for any reason please let me know promptly so we can ensure you don’t fall behind. Unexcused absences, frequent tardiness, or a lack of participation will lower your grade for the course. If you have any questions or concerns about the course I am happy to talk to you.

 

Slack and REL 315 Blogs

Because of the nature of our course, Blackboard and its walled off system will not work for what we need to do. Instead, this blog, your student blog and our class Slack workspace will function as the main communication and content management systems.

  • REL 315 blog: This REL 315 WordPress blog functions as the content management system (i.e. it has the readings) and the syllabus for the course. All of the readings for the course outside of the two textbooks can be found linked on the schedule on this blog.

 

  • Student blog: Each student in the course will be given a WordPress blog that is part of the REL Blogs network at blogs.religion.ua.edu. These blogs will be used to post your weekly writing and as a place for you to learn how WordPress and other content management systems work.

 

  • Slack: The class Slack workspace can be found at rel315.slack.com. We will use Slack instead as a place to communicate, share, and organize the course. It will be very handy as you work on your group projects later in the semester. Slack is a better way to contact me and others in the class than email.

 

Grading Scale
A+       95-100%       C         70-74
A         90-94             D+       65-69
B+       85-89             D         60-64
B         80-84             D-        50-59
C+       75-79             F          below 50

Late Work
I do not accept late work. I do give extensions in the case of extraordinary circumstances, but I expect that you will ask for the extension promptly. Do not email asking for an extension unless it is under extreme circumstances outside of your control (like a relative died over the weekend and you need to leave immediately.)

University Policies

Notification of Changes

The instructor will make every effort to follow the guidelines of this syllabus as listed; however, the instructor reserves the right to amend this document as the need arises. In such instances, the instructor will notify students in class and/or via email and will endeavor to provide reasonable time for students to adjust to any changes.

Statement on Academic Misconduct

Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the official Academic Misconduct Policy provided in the Online Catalog.

Statement On Disability Accommodations

Contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) as detailed in the Online Catalog.

Severe Weather Protocol

Please see the latest Severe Weather Guidelines in the Online Catalog.

Pregnant Student Accommodations

Title IX protects against discrimination related to pregnancy or parental status. If you are pregnant and will need accommodations for this class, please review the University’s FAQs on the UAct website.

Religious Observances

Under the Guidelines for Religious Holiday Observances, students should notify the instructor in writing or via email during the first two weeks of the semester of their intention to be absent from class for religious observance. The instructor will work to provide reasonable opportunity to complete academic responsibilities as long as that does not interfere with the academic integrity of the course. See full guidelines at Religious Holiday Observances Guidelines.

UAct Statement

The UAct website provides an overview of The University’s expectations regarding respect and civility.