Introduction to Python programming for the humanities

Teacher(s)

de Viron Louis; Zilio Leonardo;

Language

French

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	To plan and develop a sequence of understandable instructions for a computing system to solve a given problem or to perform a specific task. (Programming, DigiComp 3.4)
2	To use digital tools and technologies to create knowledge and to innovate processes and products. To engage individually and collectively in cognitive processing to understand and resolve conceptual problems and problem situations in digital environments. (Creatively using digital technologies, DigiComp 5.3)
3	To organise, store and retrieve data, information, and content in digital environments. To organise and process them in a structured environment. (Managing Data, Information and Digital Content, Digicomp 1.3)
4	Select and use specialized algorithms to solve artificial intelligence tasks related to automatic language processing.
‘DigiComp’ learning outcomes refer to “The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigiComp 2.2)”.

Content

This module serves as an introduction to programming and to computational thinking in general. It mixes expository lectures with hands-on activities that aims at teaching students the basics of programming in Python, going from assigning variables to designing more complex functions and interacting with external code libraries. 
This introductory module also presents the components and dynamics that characterise the Digital Humanities movement, focusing on objects, tools and practices. It will focus in particular on document analysis and digital tools.
Students are not required to have previous knowledge of Python or other programming languages. The course will start at the very basic, conducting the students along the semester into more complex problem-solving activities using programming language.

Teaching methods

Lectures and practical exercises.

Evaluation methods

June and August/September exam sessions: written work and oral exam. Details about the assessment will be provided on Moodle during the course.

The final grade will consist of two integrated parts of equal importance (part 1: written work; part 2: oral exam). A pass in both parts is required to demonstrate the skills and knowledge laid out in the learning outcomes of the course. A failing grade in either of the two parts of the evaluation will result in a failing grade for the whole course.

Bibliography

Lectures recommandées pour l'apprentissage de Python et pour une introduction au traitement automatique de texte :

• Dawson, M., 2010. Python programming for the absolute beginner (p. 480). Boston, MA: Course Technology. 
• Karl, B., 2017. Computational Thinking: A Beginner's Guide to Problem-Solving and Programming. Swindon, UK: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. 
• Sweigart, A., 2025. Automate the boring stuff with Python: Practical Programming for Total Beginners. 3rd Edition. No Starch Press.

Faculty or entity

> FIAL