Basic Information Technology for the Humanities
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide a basic introduction of the disciplines of computer science in a humanistic way. For this reason, alongside elements of presentation of the fundamentals of information systems theory, computability theory, algorithm theory, distributed systems theory, the evolution of the discipline will be examined from historical and anthropological perspectives. The theoretical tools acquired in the course should also be used to stimulate competence in object design and communication tools as well as provide the ability to interact profitably with IT professionals. For this reason, the course offers elements of methodological knowledge, terminology and design skills for databases and human machine interaction, as well as a monographic theme covered annually.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge:
Information-coding processes
Algorithm theory basics
Digital architecture
Distributed architecture
Database modeling basics
Human machine interaction
Information schematics
Skills:
Basic terminologyof the discipline
Critical-writing tools for a computer project
Information-coding processes
Algorithm theory basics
Digital architecture
Distributed architecture
Database modeling basics
Human machine interaction
Information schematics
Skills:
Basic terminologyof the discipline
Critical-writing tools for a computer project
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
If it is not possible to carry out ordinary face-to-face lessons, following the schedule provided for teaching, the lessons will be held through the Zoom platform in synchronous mode.
On the course page on Ariel, students will be able to find all the information on the lectures and any changes to the programme and its related documents (bibliography etc) in case of lockdown.
The means and criteria for participation in the live lectures, which will need booking through a specific app, will be indicated on the University website.
Finally, in case it proves impossible to hold the exam face to face, the exam will take place remotely, in ways which will be communicated on the course page on Ariel at the end of the course.
On the course page on Ariel, students will be able to find all the information on the lectures and any changes to the programme and its related documents (bibliography etc) in case of lockdown.
The means and criteria for participation in the live lectures, which will need booking through a specific app, will be indicated on the University website.
Finally, in case it proves impossible to hold the exam face to face, the exam will take place remotely, in ways which will be communicated on the course page on Ariel at the end of the course.
Course syllabus
DIDACTIC UNIT A (20 hours, 3 cfu - institutional part)
Introduction to computer science
- Encoding and measuring information
- The notion of algorithm
Introduction to hardware and software architectures
- Computer architecture
- Network architectures
- Software and programming languages
- The WWW standards
Introduction to databases and data conceptualization
- Introduction to databases
- Conceptual and logical design of a database
- Conceptualization design
Aspects of technology acceptance
- Human-machine interaction
- Information architecture and usability
- Communication dynamics in distributed networks
DIDACTIC UNIT B (20 hours, 3 cfu - monographic part)
Graph databases
- Representation model
- Incremental design model
- Data querying
Introduction to computer science
- Encoding and measuring information
- The notion of algorithm
Introduction to hardware and software architectures
- Computer architecture
- Network architectures
- Software and programming languages
- The WWW standards
Introduction to databases and data conceptualization
- Introduction to databases
- Conceptual and logical design of a database
- Conceptualization design
Aspects of technology acceptance
- Human-machine interaction
- Information architecture and usability
- Communication dynamics in distributed networks
DIDACTIC UNIT B (20 hours, 3 cfu - monographic part)
Graph databases
- Representation model
- Incremental design model
- Data querying
Prerequisites for admission
Mathematical notions acquired in any secondary school program.
Teaching methods
The topics of the course will be addressed through lectures, with the help of transparencies and teaching materials that the teacher will make available from time to time on the Ariel platform. During the lessons exercises and demonstrations will also be carried out to help the student's learning path. A lesson will be dedicated to exam simulation.
Attendance, although not mandatory, is strongly recommended.
Attendance, although not mandatory, is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Mandatory texts:
- Slides and notes presented in class
- Lazzari Marco, Informatica umanistica, McGraw-Hill (primi 5 capitoli per parte generale, gli altri possono essere utili per l'approfondimento di un tema a scelta)
Mandatory texts for the monographic part:
- Castano Silvana, Ferrara Alfio, Montanelli Stefano. Informazione, conoscenza e Web per le scienze umanistiche, Pearson
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
Optional texts:
- Mauri, Buonanno, Sciuto, Informatica e cultura dell'informazione, McGraw-Hill
- Fiormonte Domenico, Numerico Teresa, Tomasi Francesca, L'umanista digitale, Il Mulino
- Slides and notes presented in class
- Lazzari Marco, Informatica umanistica, McGraw-Hill (primi 5 capitoli per parte generale, gli altri possono essere utili per l'approfondimento di un tema a scelta)
Mandatory texts for the monographic part:
- Castano Silvana, Ferrara Alfio, Montanelli Stefano. Informazione, conoscenza e Web per le scienze umanistiche, Pearson
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
Optional texts:
- Mauri, Buonanno, Sciuto, Informatica e cultura dell'informazione, McGraw-Hill
- Fiormonte Domenico, Numerico Teresa, Tomasi Francesca, L'umanista digitale, Il Mulino
Assessment methods and Criteria
The verification test consists of a compulsory oral exam and an optional oral exam.
The compulsory test verifies the acquisition of the concepts presented during the course and the logical argumentative abilities of the students. The optional exam allows the student to deepen a topic related to his training plan. The vote will be expressed in thirtieths.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher and the competent Office. International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the course teacher in a timely manner.
The compulsory test verifies the acquisition of the concepts presented during the course and the logical argumentative abilities of the students. The optional exam allows the student to deepen a topic related to his training plan. The vote will be expressed in thirtieths.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher and the competent Office. International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the course teacher in a timely manner.
Unita' didattica A
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)