Digital Fluencies Series

Speculative Computing—Michael J. Kramer

Friday, September 28, 2018, 4:30-6pm

With speculative computing, we moved beyond the instrumental, well-formed, and increasingly standardized business of digital humanities. We used the computer to create aesthetic provocations—visual, verbal, textual results that were surprising and unpredictable. Most importantly, we inscribed subjectivity, the basis of any and every interpretative and expressive representation, into digital environments by designing projects that showed inflection, the marked specificity of individual voice and expression, and point of view as a place within a system. — Johanna Drucker, SpecLab: Digital Aesthetics and Projects in Speculative Computing

The shift from the term “humanities computing” to “digital humanities” will turn fifteen in 2019. We take stock of the field’s change in name by developing critical digital fluency with the concept of “speculative computing.” This concept brings humanities tactics to bear on computation rather than the more typical reverse proposition of bringing computation to bear on humanities topics. What might it mean to generate new knowledge by using computers in humanities modes of inquiry, through what Johanna Drucker calls “aesthetic provocations”? We will read a short excerpt from Drucker’s pioneering digital humanities work to spark discussion. Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome. Refreshments served. Please sign up below so we can provide as accurate an amount of refreshments as possible.

Reading: 

• Johanna Drucker, “Introduction: The Background to Speclab,” “1.2: Speculative Computing: Basic Principles and Essential Distinctions,” and case study “2.1 Temporal Modeling,” xi-xix, 19-30, 37-64, available as e-book/pdf from Middlebury Library

Facilitated by Michael Kramer, Acting Director of the DLA.

What Is the Digital Fluencies Series?

The Digital Fluencies Series investigates what it means to develop more critical facility with digital technologies. Meetings usually feature informal discussion of 1-3 short readings (access to materials will be provided) and sometimes a case study. Faculty, students, and staff are all welcome to participate regardless of digital skills. Feel free to suggest a topic. Co-sponsored by DLA, CTLR, Davis Family Library, and DLINQ. Organized by Leanne Galletly, User Experience & Digital Scholarship Librarian, and Michael J. Kramer, Assistant Professor of the Practice, Digital History/Acting Director, Digital Liberal Arts @ Middlebury College. Middlebury go link: go/digitalfluencies.

Digital Fluencies Series: Speculative Computing—Michael J. Kramer