Key facts about Research Methods in Digital Humanities and Social Justice
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Research Methods in Digital Humanities and Social Justice equips students with the essential skills to conduct impactful research using digital tools and methodologies. The course focuses on applying these methods to address critical social justice issues.
Learning outcomes include mastering qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques within digital environments, developing critical awareness of ethical considerations in digital research, and effectively communicating research findings to diverse audiences. Students will gain proficiency in utilizing various digital tools and platforms for data collection and analysis relevant to social justice themes, such as network analysis and text mining.
The duration of the course typically spans one semester, encompassing both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Students engage in hands-on projects, working collaboratively to analyze real-world datasets and contribute to ongoing discussions within the digital humanities and social justice fields.
Industry relevance is high, with graduates prepared for careers in academia, museums, archives, libraries, non-profit organizations, and technology companies. The skills developed in this course are valuable for roles requiring data analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication, particularly within contexts addressing social justice concerns. Proficiency in digital humanities techniques, including text analysis and visualization, provides a competitive edge in the job market. The ethical framework incorporated within the course directly translates to responsible data handling and analysis across various sectors.
The course fosters critical engagement with power dynamics and biases inherent in digital technologies and their applications in social justice work, making graduates well-equipped to navigate complex ethical considerations within the digital realm. This course directly addresses the growing demand for researchers and professionals capable of leveraging digital tools for meaningful social impact and change, making it a highly relevant and valuable area of study.
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Why this course?
Research Methods are pivotal in Digital Humanities and Social Justice, shaping impactful narratives and driving positive change. The UK's digital divide underscores the urgency for robust methodologies. According to Ofcom's 2023 report, 4% of adults lack internet access, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. This disparity necessitates ethically sound research approaches to ensure inclusive narratives and equitable outcomes. Employing qualitative methods like discourse analysis of online hate speech, coupled with quantitative analyses of social media trends using network analysis, provide critical insights.
The fusion of digital tools and rigorous methodology allows researchers to uncover hidden patterns of inequality and challenge dominant narratives. Quantitative analysis of census data combined with spatial analysis can reveal geographical disparities in access to resources. The effective application of these methods is paramount in promoting social justice. Understanding the biases inherent in algorithms and datasets used in AI-driven research is critical. Considering the UK's commitment to diversity and inclusion (as demonstrated by the government's Race Disparity Audit), robust methods are key to delivering impactful and fair research.
| Group |
Percentage without Internet Access |
| Adults |
4% |