Basic Information Technology for the Humanities

A.Y. 2023/2024
6
Max ECTS
40
Overall hours
SSD
INF/01
Language
Italian
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
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
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 conceptualisation
- Conceptual and logical design of a database
- Conceptualisation processes
- Relational model
- Graph model

Aspects of technology acceptance
- Human-machine interaction
- Information architecture and usability
- Communication dynamics in distributed networks

Artificial intelligence
- Artificial intelligence methods
- Machine learning
- Knowledge updating
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.
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)

Optional texts:
- 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/
- 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/
- Chiara Frigeri, Fabio Maccaferri, Federico Rajola. ICT e società dell'Informazione Mac Graw Hill
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination procedure consists of a compulsory oral exam and an optional project that can complement the exam.
The oral exam verifies the acquisition of the concepts presented during the course and the logical argumentative abilities of the students. The optional project allows the student to deepen a topic related to his training plan. The vote will be expressed in thirtieths.

In order to access the oral exam, it will be necessary to prepare an exercise that the teacher will publish through Ariel 24 hours before the call. The correct exposition and understanding of the solution of the exercise is a necessary condition to continue the oral exam.

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.
INF/01 - INFORMATICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor: Ceravolo Paolo
Professor(s)
Reception:
Thursday 14.00 - 15.00
Computer Science Department- 7° floor