The integration of digital methodologies into the traditionally humanistic landscape has become essential for scholars and researchers alike. It is within this context that the 1st RAQMYAT Summer School, themed “Digital Humanities between the Local and the Global,” emerged as a significant catalyst for fostering a deeper understanding of the intersection between digital technologies and humanistic studies. Commencing online from September 25th to 29th, 2023, and continued in-person from October 2nd to 10th, 2023, gathered 40 doctoral candidates from various Tunisian universities, and partner universities from Grenada (Spain) and Vienna (Austria), providing them with a unique platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.

A Collaborative Learning Environment for Digital Humanists

The RAQMYAT Summer School was designed to promote a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. By fostering an atmosphere of collective exploration, the program encouraged participants to explore the various dimensions of digital humanities, with a focus on the ethical implications of digital research, the preservation of cultural heritage through technological advancements, and the emergent trends within the digital scholarship landscape. The exchange of diverse perspectives and the forging of lasting scholarly connections were actively encouraged, paving the way for an enriching and multifaceted learning experience.

Diverse Program Content and Scholarly Exchange

The program’s rich and diverse curriculum catered to the multifaceted needs of doctoral candidates from a wide array of disciplines. Interactive webinars, hands-on workshops, and different field visits to institutions dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage, bibliographic resources and contemporary history and studies, served as key components of the program. These sessions, led by experienced professors and scholars from Tunisian universities and from Granada and Vienna universities, explored critical topics such as the ethical dimensions of digital research, the transformative potential of big data, and the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence in humanities.

The program’s comprehensive approach emphasized the development of critical skills, including data collection and analysis, textual interpretation, and the ethical application of digital tools within the context of humanistic research. By providing learners with an opportunity to engage with experts in the field, the Summer School facilitated the formation of valuable networks and relationships that are instrumental for the advancement of digital humanities scholarship in Tunisia and beyond.

Catalyzing Change in Digital Humanities

Through its comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, the program raised awareness about the relevance of digital humanities among doctoral students in Tunisia. Equipped with advanced digital skills and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted applications of digital tools, participants emerged ready to tackle the complex challenges of the contemporary research landscape.

Funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, the RAQMYAT project remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of doctoral education in Tunisia by integrating digital humanities into the academic curriculum. As a result, the Summer School laid the foundation for a vibrant community of scholars committed to driving forward the frontiers of digital humanities research. To stay updated and learn more about RAQMYAT, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

To know more in details about the program, please download the program of the whole initiative.