M16: Digital Humanities
Digital Humanities refers to an interdisciplinary field of research that utilizes digital technologies and computer-aided methods for the analysis, indexing, presentation, and mediation of humanities content. They combine classical humanities questions with digital tools, such as for text analysis, editing, archiving, visualization, or digital cultural mediation.
Digital Humanities in the MA Eastern Christian Studies
The module M16: Digital Humanities consists of two learning units:
- M16.1: Digital Humanities in Eastern Christian Studies (2 ECTS)
- M16.2: From Codex to Code: Specialization in DH (1 ECTS)
The required assessment is a portfolio (including project work) (2 ECTS).
The module comprises a total of 5 ECTS.
Course Content
- Foundations, principles, and fields of application of Digital Humanities within the Theology of the Christian East
- Introduction to digital tools and methods (text analysis, annotation, data modeling, network analysis, georeferencing, visualization)
- Structuring, encoding, and managing humanities research data (e.g., TEI-XML, Dublin Core, RDF)
- Digital editions, databases, and repositories in the field of Eastern Christian research
- Methods for the digitization, description, and indexing of manuscripts, inscriptions, icons, and liturgical sources
- Use and critical evaluation of digital resources, archives, and research platforms
- Concepts of metadata assignment, authority data, ontologies, and semantic networking
- Introduction to open-access publications, research data management, and academic sustainability
- Interfaces between theology, philology, computer science, and cultural studies
- Reflection on the opportunities, limitations, and ethical questions of digital methods in the research and mediation of the cultural heritage of the Christian East
Learning Objectives and Competences
- Students possess in-depth knowledge of digital methods and tools in humanities research and their application within the field of Eastern Christian Studies.
- They understand the fundamental principles, concepts, and fields of application of Digital Humanities (e.g., data modeling, metadata, text encoding, digital edition, data visualization).
- They are able to address research questions from theology, church history, philology, and cultural studies of the Christian East using digital approaches.
- They can structure, analyze, annotate, and document humanities research data in digital formats (e.g., TEI-XML, Dublin Core).
- They are familiar with the most important digital infrastructures, projects, and platforms in Eastern Christian research (e.g., manuscript portals, text corpora, virtual archives, digital editions).
- They apply digital tools confidently, for instance for text analysis, network analysis, georeferencing, visualization, or annotation.
- They critically reflect on the opportunities and limitations of digital methods in relation to academic research questions, source criticism, and hermeneutic interpretation.
- They can work interdisciplinarily and recognize as well as utilize the interfaces between theology, philology, computer science, and cultural studies.
- They develop competence in the creation, documentation, and sustainable management of their own digital research projects.
- They are able to scientifically interpret the results of digital analyses, present them clearly, and prepare them for research, teaching, and the public.
- They recognize the importance of digital methods for the preservation, networking, and visibility of the cultural heritage of the Eastern Churches.
M16.1: Digital Humanities in Eastern Christian Studies
Course Instructor
Assoc. Prof. Elie Dannaoui
Director of the Digital Humanities Centre
University of Balamand (Lebanon)
![[Translate to English:] Dannaoui](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/3/csm_Elie-Dannaoui_cdc291e234.webp)
I am excited to teach Digital Humanities in the Eastern Christian Studies program because it opens new ways of exploring, preserving, and analyzing the rich textual, liturgical, and cultural heritage of Eastern Christianity. It is especially rewarding to help students combine traditional scholarly skills with innovative…
I am excited to teach Digital Humanities in the Eastern Christian Studies program because it opens new ways of exploring, preserving, and analyzing the rich textual, liturgical, and cultural heritage of Eastern Christianity. It is especially rewarding to help students combine traditional scholarly skills with innovative digital tools, allowing them to engage with sources and research questions in creative and globally connected ways.
Academic Cycle and Workload
The learning unit is offered every summer semester. It comprises 2 SWS (= 1 ECTS) of digital self-guided learning and approximately the same amount of independent preparation and follow-up time (= 1 ECTS).
M16.2: From Codex to Code: Specialization in DH
Course Instructor
Assoc. Prof. Elie Dannaoui
Director of the Digital Humanities Centre
University of Balamand (Lebanon)
I am particularly looking forward to this course because it guides students from working with historical manuscripts and sources to understanding how digital methods can transform their analysis and accessibility. It is inspiring to see how traditional scholarship and modern technology can enrich each other.
I am particularly looking forward to this course because it guides students from working with historical manuscripts and sources to understanding how digital methods can transform their analysis and accessibility. It is inspiring to see how traditional scholarship and modern technology can enrich each other.
Academic Cycle and Workload
The learning unit is offered every summer semester. It comprises 1 SWS (= 0.5 ECTS) of synchronous digital meetings and approximately the same amount of independent preparation and follow-up time (= 0.5 ECTS).
