Computers and the humanities courses: Philosophical bases and approach

The Vassar Workshop generated considerable debate on questions such as whether humanities students need to learn programming, whether to teach programming before or after introductory packaged programs, and the depth of knowledge required in related areas such as statistics. The arguments reflected two distinct philosophies concerning the goals of training humanities students in computing. Although they were not expounded, these philosophies directly influenced the opinions on specific issues that were discussed at the Workshop. This article will summarize each of these philosophies and consider the arguments of the workshop participants related to them. However, it is first necessary to define certain assumptions assumptions underlying the discussion at Vassar about the need for computers and the humanities