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78334-01 - Seminar: Computational Discourses (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Pierre Depaz (pierre.depaz@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This course investigates the relationships between language and computers. It does so by addressing the entanglements of human-to-human interfaces, human-to-machine programs and machine-to-machine protocols. Through readings in media studies—specifically software studies—and short programming experiments, we will discuss how computing technologies can be used to frame what we say, and how we say it, and therefore question the extent to which our discourses are technologically determined. The theoretical part will the computer's linguistic abilities. As a machine that manipulates symbols to represent other machines, and allows the processing of any kinds of messages, how did it get there, and how effective is it? We will see how such a conception was constructed at the expense of meaning and materiality, and consider how interfaces attempt to recreate both meaning and materiality. The practical part will involve short programming exercises, in order to illustrate the realities of computer writing, as well as a final essay written on a web platform. However, no previous programming experience will be assumed. |
| Learning objectives | - Understand how computational technologies affect discourses - Understand how computational technologies become part of specific discourses - Compare computer-mediated discourses to other forms of discourses - Critically assess the political and social consequences of computer-mediated communication |
| Bibliography | A full list of readings will be provided on the first day of classes. |
| Admission requirements | The number of participants is limited. In case of over-subscription, students of Digital Humanities will be given priority. Die Anzahl der Teilnehmenden ist begrenzt. Bei Überbelegung erhalten Studierende der Digital Humanities Vorrang. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Tuesday | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 17.02.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 24.02.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Fasnachtsferien |
| Tuesday 03.03.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 10.03.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 17.03.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 24.03.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 31.03.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 07.04.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 14.04.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 21.04.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 28.04.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 05.05.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 12.05.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 19.05.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Tuesday 26.05.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 107 |
| Modules |
Modul: Digital Humanities, Culture and Society (Master's degree subject: Digital Humanities) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | The assessment will consist in a final group essay due at the end of the semester, on a topic chosen by pairs of students and related to the seminar themes.. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Digital Humanities Lab |