Lab 5 – Spatial Storytelling for the Digital Humanities: Capstone Project
Lab 5 – Spatial Storytelling for the Digital Humanities: Capstone Project
Introduction
So far, this course has introduced you to some of the theories and methods behind the use of spatial data and maps for storytelling in the digital humanities. While the focus has been on history, we hope that you can see how these theoretical considerations and techniques could also apply to other areas of the humanities. Now, it is time to take what you have learned and use it to create a digital humanities project of your own.
Throughout this course, you have been shown examples of storymaps; that is, digital narratives which include maps as a key component. As the capstone project for this course, you will design your own digital spatial narrative.
Capstone Project Requirements
Submit a digital spatial narrative of around 1500 words. You may choose the topic, but it should be related to the humanities in some way, and of course, must have a spatial component. If you are stuck for ideas, take a look at the examples in Appendix 1 for some inspiration. The style of this narrative should be suitable for publication as a research blog; you may use informal language, but should be sure to back up your text with appropriate sources. If you are uncertain what constitutes a research blog, the Network in Canadian History & Environment (NiCHE) have many examples on their website [https://niche-canada.org/], including this example which you saw in the archives lab, about dendrochronology and other-than-human archives [https://niche-canada.org/2021/03/03/learning-to-read-the-more-than-human-archives-dendrochronology-and-talkative-trees/].
Format
You may submit your research blog as a text document with integrated maps and images. Please format it to look as you would want it to appear to readers accessing the text online. Alternately, you may submit an actual online blog post, or a storymap built with the tools listed in Appendix 2. Please note that these tools require an account to use, so creating a storymap, while excellent experience for those of you interested in current trends in spatial storytelling techniques, is not mandatory.
Critical Content
This course has discussed the power of spatial narratives, both to cause and to repair or make amends for harm, at great length. The text and mapping in your narrative must in some way acknowledge these structures and relationships of power, and show critical reflection on these topics. We would suggest that a key component of such critical reflection is translating awareness into action! As such, you may wish to create your narrative with specific goals, such as decolonization or increased accessibility, in mind. Your reflection can include (but must not be limited to) a discussion of your own power in creating this narrative. In particular, you may wish to reflect on your positionality and connection to the topic, and how your choices regarding aesthetics and narrative devices contribute to the narrative’s goals.
Maps
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