The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the collection, management, and analysis of historical data from digital archives. Students will be trained in searching digital archives using digital catalogues and finding aids. They will learn how to use appropriate web applications to analyse digital material, including the transcription, annotation and analysis of historical textual sources, and how to identify appropriate research approaches and software tools to work with both structured and unstructured data. Included in the course will be how to use AI in a responsible way, to prompt and to document use. Students will also learn to communicate and document digital workflows to ensure transparency and reproducibility. 

The course introduces students to general practices in how historical material is digitised, how digital archives are designed, and how institutions such as archives influence the ways in which historical data is discovered, preserved, used, and interpreted. 

This is a practical course intended to equip students with the fundamental skills required for the responsible collection, handling, analysis, and communication of digital data.