CALL. 29.10.2017: Ancient Near Eastern and Neighboring Regions: Enlarging Research Horizons through
In the latest years, the use of quantitative and qualitative methods in ancient Near Eastern studies is experiencing an impressive expansion. This is partly due to the situation of the increasing endangerment of the heritage in Western Asiatic and Eastern Mediterranean regions. But this results in two separate profiles of Humanities scholars who hardly work together: some use “traditional” methods, while the others — mostly “young” researchers — digital and computational practices. Thus, the question arises of how to build bridges in order to facilitate dialogue with colleagues who are not accustomed to these “new” practices? This is especially important, since the digital and computational approaches in Humanities are not a field, but methods, and as such their goals are sometimes to optimise the available funds (digitized or not) or the acquirement of information from the available materials and field recordings. Among other answers, one could be to develop open archives and open linked data projects in order to focus on the specific nature of the challenges of ancient Near Eastern and neighboring regions’ studies, e.g.: the particular issues related to Sumerian studies; the specific features of ancient languages and writing systems; the consequences on the archaeological record of the continuous cultural contacts and exchanges in regions like Syria and northern Mesopotamia; the movements of materials and people through differently structured societies, including the (semi-)nomadic ones.
FECHA LÍMITE/DEADLINE/SCADENZA: 29/10/2017
FECHA CONGRESO/CONGRESS DATE/DATA CONGRESSO: 19-20-21-22-23/03/2018
LUGAR/LOCATION/LUOGO: University of Tübingen (Tübingen, Germany)
ORGANIZADOR/ORGANIZER/ORGANIZZATORE: Vanessa Juloux ; Alessandro di Ludovico
INFO: web
CALL:
To pursue the aims expressed here, it is essential that the contributions that will be presented are able to show the actual progress potential that the application of digital and computational methods and tools can bring. This requires a clear explanation of the theory and performing processes of the systems used in Digital Humanities, but also an explicit comparison between the “new” Humanities’ processes and results and those of other methods. This session is open to all scholars — including non-digital researchers who look to enhance cooperation — of Prehistory through Late Antiquity, whose proposals are related to the adoption of digital tools and theories in any sector of the mentioned fields of study (epigraphy, archaeometry, philology, historical geography, ceramic studies, art history, etc.). The presentation of in progress projects, experimental proposals, and theoretical explanations are also welcome. Abstract should not be longer than 250 words excluding title, affiliations and 3 – 5 keywords, and must be submitted electronically by October 29th: http://2018.caaconference.org/2017/09/29/call-papers-posters-open/