ABSTRACT

We present here a range of questions which can be used to begin a class discussion on the issues raised when trying to define Digital Humanities (DH).

Having read these works defining Digital Humanities, how would you define DH?

What is Digital Humanities and what is not?

How old is DH? Is there a difference between Humanities Computing and Digital Humanities?

How effective is the name Digital Humanities? Would you change it if you could?

What are the hallmarks of Digital Humanities research? What kinds of topics and sources does DH address?

Which skills and knowledge must a DHer have? Which are useful but not essential?

Digital Humanities opens new possibilities for the Humanities: discuss using examples-

Is Digital Humanities revolutionary?

Is Digital Humanities traditional?

Can Digital Humanities help us to see the old in the new as much as the new in the old?

A computer is just a tool: discuss.

Why is collaboration so important in Digital Humanities projects?

What is interdisciplinarity? Has this term become a hollow buzzword?

Do we expect digital projects to be of a higher standard than more traditional humanities projects such as books?

What is your favourite Digital Humanities tool or resource? Why?

Describe the Digital Humanities research question that interests you most.

When everyone uses digital techniques in research, will Digital Humanities become obsolete?

What relationship do the learned societies – such as the Alliance of Digital Humanities Organisations – have to the definition of the discipline? Is this important?

Why does Defining Digital Humanities matter?

Do other disciplines worry about defining themselves in the way that Digital Humanities does?