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Be a part of the future: learn digital methods for History

In 2011 Clemson University hired Prof. Vernon Burton, a distinguished scholar who is one of the founders of the field of digital History, and the history department is developing a program in this exciting new area. Digital history includes:

  • developing and using online archives
  • analyzing large amounts of data, such as census records
  • studying interconnections using data visualization
  • text searching and analysis
  • working with historical images
  • digital processing and storage of oral history interviews
  • integrating historical data with maps (old and new) using geographical information systems
  • presenting historical results and engaging larger audiences using web pages
  • social network strategies for museums and other public history sites

Basic digital methods will increasingly be used by all historians and museum professionals and are relevant to many other fields. In addition, Clemson students with a particular interest in digital history have the opportunity to work with big data and learn advanced digital history techniques.

Course Descriptions, Digital History

INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL HISTORY – HIST 4150/6150

This course will introduce students to the philosophy and practice of the emerging field of History and New Media with a particular focus on how public historians can use technology to enhance their archival/museum/center's visibility with the general public. Preq: Any 3000 level history course.

DIGITAL HISTORY PRACTICUM – under development

Learn to use several techniques in digital history on a level useful for research or museum work. Topics might include text analysis, working with census data, historical geographic information systems using Arc-GIS software, and making oral history interviews available on the internet. Preq: Any 3000 level history course.

DIGITAL HISTORY INDEPENDENT STUDY - by special arrangement

Programming, big data, and other advanced digital history techniques. Preq: Introduction to Digital History or equivalent experience.