Taking up Artificial Intelligence as Teaching and Learning Content in the Digital Humanities – Topics, Categorisations, and Examples

Abstract

In this article the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a teaching and learning content for the field of the Digital Humanities (DH) in higher education is examined in more detail. For this purpose, a definition of AI in the context of the DH is given first. Areas of the application of AI topics in European DH degree programme descriptions (Master and Bachelor) are scanned to show whether and how the topic of AI is reflected in course descriptions for prospective students with a focus on Digital Humanities. In addition to focusing the term AI, descriptions are analysed for word frequencies and existing correlations. The results show that AI is not explicitly included as a subject of study in DH course descriptions. Nevertheless, central related themes and methods are highlighted therein. Areas such as languages, literature, cultural studies, and history as well as creative and production areas that have references to digital processes and semi- and fully automated computer-aided methods are mentioned. Overall, the teaching of effective digitally supported and collaborative working methods is an essential part of the degree programs (or is aimed at in the degree program descriptions and thus in the respective degree programs), which addresses core competencies of the learners in the future working world. AI topics are finally categorised and converted into a compact overview with areas of application and two possible exemplary implementation scenarios.