Reflection on Digital Humanities Teaching in a German University's Chinese Studies Classroom

Abstract

As Digital Humanities (DH) Teaching has increasing significance in the field of Chinese Studies, the three authors lectured in the course "Digital Humanities Methods of Literary and Cultural Research for Sinologists" at the University of Heidelberg. The course caters to students of both the Master in Transcultural Studies program of the Centre for Asian and Transcultural Studies (CATS) and the "Continuing Education Program 'Digital Humanities'" program of the Heidelberg Center for Digital Humanities (HCDH). The course aims at preparing students of Chinese Studies with DH concepts, methods, and paradigms for their current and future research on materials and sources of Chinese. With a focus on literary and cultural analysis, the course consists of six modules covering topics of DH concepts, data management, distant reading, DH infrastructure, Computer-assisted translation, and critical reflection. This paper documents the design, practice, and challenges of teaching, wishing to offer first-hand experience and reflection to peers endeavor to such practice in international universities. Upon the three lecturers' teaching experience in the 22/23 winter semester and feedback from students, this paper reflects on the specific issues in integrating DH into the Chinese studies curriculums for overseas students, wishing to provide a practical reference for DH teaching not only in the field Chinese Studies but also in area studies and transcultural studies with a global scope.

Keywords

Digital Humanities / Chinese Studies / Literary and Cultural Research / DH methods / DH Teaching

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