Computer Methodologies in the Humanities
A.Y. 2025/2026
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 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
- Evaluation methods
- 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
- Evaluation methods
Prerequisites for admission
Mathematical notions acquired in any secondary school program.
Teaching methods
The course topics will be covered in lectures, with transparencies and teaching materials made available by the teacher on the Ariel platform from time to time. Exercises and demonstrations will also be carried out during the lessons to support students' learning. One lesson will be dedicated to exam simulation.
Teaching Resources
Mandatory texts:
- Lucidi presentati a lezione
- Paolo Ceravolo. Fondamenti di Informatica per le Scienze Umanistiche, Pearson, 2025.
Optional texts:
- Donatella Sciuto Giacomo Buonanno, Luca Mari. Introduzione ai sistemi informatici. Mac Graw Hill
- Chiara Frigeri, Fabio Maccaferri, Federico Rajola. ICT e società dell'Informazione. Mac Graw Hill
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
- Lucidi presentati a lezione
- Paolo Ceravolo. Fondamenti di Informatica per le Scienze Umanistiche, Pearson, 2025.
Optional texts:
- Donatella Sciuto Giacomo Buonanno, Luca Mari. Introduzione ai sistemi informatici. Mac Graw Hill
- Chiara Frigeri, Fabio Maccaferri, Federico Rajola. ICT e società dell'Informazione. Mac Graw Hill
- Ian Robinson, Jim Webber and Emil Eifrém. Graph Databases, O'Reilly
https://neo4j.com/books/
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of a compulsory oral test and an optional project.
Oral test: This test assesses students' understanding of the concepts presented during the course, as well as their logical and argumentative skills.
Students must complete an exercise posted by the lecturer on Ariel 24 hours before the exam call to access the oral test. Correct exposition and understanding of the solution to this exercise is necessary to proceed to the interview stage.
Optional project: This project gives students the opportunity to explore topics related to their training plan.
The final grade will be given in thirtieths.
Arrangements for examinations for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the lecturer in collaboration with the relevant office. International and incoming Erasmus students are urged to contact their incoming lecturer in a timely manner.
Oral test: This test assesses students' understanding of the concepts presented during the course, as well as their logical and argumentative skills.
Students must complete an exercise posted by the lecturer on Ariel 24 hours before the exam call to access the oral test. Correct exposition and understanding of the solution to this exercise is necessary to proceed to the interview stage.
Optional project: This project gives students the opportunity to explore topics related to their training plan.
The final grade will be given in thirtieths.
Arrangements for examinations for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the lecturer in collaboration with the relevant office. International and incoming Erasmus students are urged to contact their incoming lecturer in a timely manner.
Professor(s)