Digital humanities research group offers new ways of understanding literature

The University of Wolverhampton’s Centre for Transnational and Transcultural Research (CTTR) has launched an exciting new research strand focusing on digital humanities. 

The Digital Humanities Research Group, which is made up of academics and students, will explore how computing and digital technologies offer new ways of understanding literature.  

Professor Bas Groes, Director of CTTR, said: “The group is investigating how new tools and methodologies yield a broad range of opportunities for reimagining literary studies. By deploying innovative ways of thinking about our world to tackle some of the key challenges facing society today, including threats to health and wellbeing, the rise of Artificial Intelligence and biases including the unrecognised problem of digital inequality, the researchers believe that the value of the critical-creative dialogue between pioneers of digital technology and the (literary) arts, humanities and social sciences could help society navigate potential human futures.”   

For many years the English unit of assessment worked on various projects that drew inspiration from innovative digital technologies and resources. For instance, Dr Benjamin Colbert’s British Academy funded database Women’s Travel Writing, 1780-1840 proved to be a unique resource for use by the general public as well as researchers. Professor Sebastian Groes’ Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded Novel Perceptions project uses computational linguistics and computational sociology to understand bias in today’s reading culture.  Another example of digitally engaged projects is Dr Mark Jones’ and Dr Jerry Carlin’s Beatles’ Helter Skelter Database.