FIL2406 – Algorithmic thinking for humanities students

Course content

The course provides an introduction to basic programming relevant to students in the humanities. Programming is introduced in an academic context, through a series of academically motivated problems that are solved and analyzed by writing programs. These problems can be drawn from elementary probability and statistics, corpus studies in linguistics, game theory and evolutionary models. Elements of programming such as variables, lists, loops, conditions, functions are introduced, and you will learn to troubleshoot and visualize data and results.

Learning outcome

When you have completed this course you will

Knowledge:

• know basic structures and methods in scientific programs
• know applications of programming to understand humanistic problems in linguistics, game theory and evolutionary models

Skills:

• have familiarity with Python programming and be able to use data structures, functions and modules, loops and conditional tests to elucidate problems in a scientifically relevant context
• be able to use programming to model and analyze academically relevant data and processes

Competence:

• be able to document, present and communicate models, programs and the results of programs in a professional context

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Recommended previous knowledge

We recommend some knowledge in logic, for example through FIL1006.

Overlapping courses

• 5 credits overlap with HON2110 – Innføring i algoritmisk tenkning for honours-studenter.

Teaching

You follow 6 double sessions with seminars together with students from HON2110, in addition you are offered 4 more double sessions with seminars and 10 double sessions in groups. The teaching will take place during the first part of the semester.

The course has the following compulsory activitiies:

• 3 obligatory assignments which you submit throughout the semester

These activities are only valid the semester they are completed, and must be accepted as satisfacotry in order to qualify for the final exam.

Examination

A portfolio exam which consists of revised versions of the obligatory assignments.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.