Digital & Computational Studies at Bates

Data and computers are transforming virtually every facet of our professional and personal lives. Increasingly, they are the dominant media for how we generate, apply, and share knowledge.

The fields that DCS @ Bates encompasses include computer science, critical studies, data science, and digital humanities. A path of study in DCS will require students to engage in understanding the most fundamental aspects of computer science, data science, critical digital studies, and human-centered design. Our focus is on transferable knowledge and skills rather than on specific languages or technologies, while requiring students to interrogate the assumptions of the digital world, encouraging the use of computing for social good. 

In March 2025, the Bates Faculty voted to approve a new DCS Major. The DCS Program Committee is now working on details to make the new major available for the class of 2027 and beyond.

DCS provides an advising document to help students learn more about DCS courses to be offered in ST2025 and Fall 2025.

DCS @ Bates welcomes our newest tenure-track faculty member, Dr. Andy Ricci, who completed a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Cornell, specializing in human-robot interaction.

Colony Family Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Barry Lawson teaches DCS 229 - Data Structures and Algorithms in Pettengill G65.

This course provides an introduction to common data structures and selected algorithms for solving more complex problems. Topics covered include concrete data types (arrays and linked structures); abstract data types (including stacks, queues, trees, and maps); an introduction to fundamental algorithms including sorting, graph-search algorithms (breadth-first search, depth-first search), and greedy algorithms; and basic algorithm analysis (big-Oh). The course focuses on applying data structures and algorithms for problem solving, rather than on data-structure implementation details and formal analysis.

Colony Family Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Barry Lawson teaches DCS 229 – Data Structures and Algorithms in Pettengill G65. This course provides an introduction to common data structures and selected algorithms for solving more complex problems. Topics covered include concrete data types (arrays and linked structures); abstract data types (including stacks, queues, trees, and maps); an introduction to fundamental algorithms including sorting, graph-search algorithms (breadth-first search, depth-first search), and greedy algorithms; and basic algorithm analysis (big-Oh). The course focuses on applying data structures and algorithms for problem solving, rather than on data-structure implementation details and formal analysis.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Chris Agbonkhese teaches DCS 109 - Intro to Computer Science for Software Development” in Hedge G18 on Oct. 4, 2023.

This course is an introduction to computational thinking and problem solving via an introduction to computer programming, designed for students interested in broadly applying computing and software solutions across a range of disciplines. It considers computing as a discipline of study, exploring the representation and manipulation of data, fundamental algorithms, efficiency, and limits of computing. Students learn fundamentals of computer programming using Python, including basic data structures, flow control structures, functions, recursion, elementary object-oriented programming, and file I/O, as well as discussion of higher-level concepts including abstraction, modularity, reuse, testing, and debugging. By implementing programs in contexts such as image processing, voting algorithms, DNA sequence analysis, and simple games, students develop an understanding of computational problem solving and gain experience in broadly applicable software development skills.

One of the topics presented and discussed was “recall: for loop and if-statements.”

Visiting Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Chris Agbonkhese teaches DCS 109 – Intro to Computer Science for Software Development” in Hedge G18 on Oct. 4, 2023. This course is an introduction to computational thinking and problem solving via an introduction to computer programming, designed for students interested in broadly applying computing and software solutions across a range of disciplines. It considers computing as a discipline of study, exploring the representation and manipulation of data, fundamental algorithms, efficiency, and limits of computing. Students learn fundamentals of computer programming using Python, including basic data structures, flow control structures, functions, recursion, elementary object-oriented programming, and file I/O, as well as discussion of higher-level concepts including abstraction, modularity, reuse, testing, and debugging. By implementing programs in contexts such as image processing, voting algorithms, DNA sequence analysis, and simple games, students develop an understanding of computational problem solving and gain experience in broadly applicable software development skills. One of the topics presented and discussed was “recall: for loop and if-statements.”

Visiting Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Chris Agbonkhese teaches DCS 109 - Intro to Computer Science for Software Development” in Hedge G18 on Oct. 4, 2023.

This course is an introduction to computational thinking and problem solving via an introduction to computer programming, designed for students interested in broadly applying computing and software solutions across a range of disciplines. It considers computing as a discipline of study, exploring the representation and manipulation of data, fundamental algorithms, efficiency, and limits of computing. Students learn fundamentals of computer programming using Python, including basic data structures, flow control structures, functions, recursion, elementary object-oriented programming, and file I/O, as well as discussion of higher-level concepts including abstraction, modularity, reuse, testing, and debugging. By implementing programs in contexts such as image processing, voting algorithms, DNA sequence analysis, and simple games, students develop an understanding of computational problem solving and gain experience in broadly applicable software development skills.

One of the topics presented and discussed was “recall: for loop and if-statements.”

Visiting Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Chris Agbonkhese teaches DCS 109 – Intro to Computer Science for Software Development” in Hedge G18 on Oct. 4, 2023. This course is an introduction to computational thinking and problem solving via an introduction to computer programming, designed for students interested in broadly applying computing and software solutions across a range of disciplines. It considers computing as a discipline of study, exploring the representation and manipulation of data, fundamental algorithms, efficiency, and limits of computing. Students learn fundamentals of computer programming using Python, including basic data structures, flow control structures, functions, recursion, elementary object-oriented programming, and file I/O, as well as discussion of higher-level concepts including abstraction, modularity, reuse, testing, and debugging. By implementing programs in contexts such as image processing, voting algorithms, DNA sequence analysis, and simple games, students develop an understanding of computational problem solving and gain experience in broadly applicable software development skills. One of the topics presented and discussed was “recall: for loop and if-statements.”

Public History in the Digital Age

Public history takes place beyond history classrooms and academic contexts. Traditionally, it has been found in museums, walking tours, and performances, and has told the stories of people with social and political privilege. Increasingly, however, public history has come to focus on a greater range of voices, and takes place in a wider range of forms: on websites, graphic novels, interactive sensory experiences, social media, and other digital spaces. In this community-engaged course, students learn to see public history "in the wild," engage with primary sources, and present those sources and historical interpretation to the public in digital form. Students with interests in history and public engagement are encouraged to enroll in this course.

Students and Associate Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Anelise Shrout meet in Bonney 160 at 8 a.m. on April 8 to review their projects before working on creating a topographical map of Lewiston’s Lisbon Street from 1850-1940. There will be three individuals per decade in Lisbon Street Lisbon buildings. Each student is assigned to research and profile on individual.

Public History in the Digital Age Public history takes place beyond history classrooms and academic contexts. Traditionally, it has been found in museums, walking tours, and performances, and has told the stories of people with social and political privilege. Increasingly, however, public history has come to focus on a greater range of voices, and takes place in a wider range of forms: on websites, graphic novels, interactive sensory experiences, social media, and other digital spaces. In this community-engaged course, students learn to see public history “in the wild,” engage with primary sources, and present those sources and historical interpretation to the public in digital form. Students with interests in history and public engagement are encouraged to enroll in this course. Students and Associate Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Anelise Shrout meet in Bonney 160 at 8 a.m. on April 8 to review their projects before working on creating a topographical map of Lewiston’s Lisbon Street from 1850-1940. There will be three individuals per decade in Lisbon Street Lisbon buildings. Each student is assigned to research and profile on individual.

Public History in the Digital Age

Public history takes place beyond history classrooms and academic contexts. Traditionally, it has been found in museums, walking tours, and performances, and has told the stories of people with social and political privilege. Increasingly, however, public history has come to focus on a greater range of voices, and takes place in a wider range of forms: on websites, graphic novels, interactive sensory experiences, social media, and other digital spaces. In this community-engaged course, students learn to see public history "in the wild," engage with primary sources, and present those sources and historical interpretation to the public in digital form. Students with interests in history and public engagement are encouraged to enroll in this course.

Students and Associate Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Anelise Shrout meet in Bonney 160 at 8 a.m. on April 8 to review their projects before working on creating a topographical map of Lewiston’s Lisbon Street from 1850-1940. There will be three individuals per decade in Lisbon Street Lisbon buildings. Each student is assigned to research and profile on individual.

Public History in the Digital Age Public history takes place beyond history classrooms and academic contexts. Traditionally, it has been found in museums, walking tours, and performances, and has told the stories of people with social and political privilege. Increasingly, however, public history has come to focus on a greater range of voices, and takes place in a wider range of forms: on websites, graphic novels, interactive sensory experiences, social media, and other digital spaces. In this community-engaged course, students learn to see public history “in the wild,” engage with primary sources, and present those sources and historical interpretation to the public in digital form. Students with interests in history and public engagement are encouraged to enroll in this course. Students and Associate Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Anelise Shrout meet in Bonney 160 at 8 a.m. on April 8 to review their projects before working on creating a topographical map of Lewiston’s Lisbon Street from 1850-1940. There will be three individuals per decade in Lisbon Street Lisbon buildings. Each student is assigned to research and profile on individual.

Public History in the Digital Age

Public history takes place beyond history classrooms and academic contexts. Traditionally, it has been found in museums, walking tours, and performances, and has told the stories of people with social and political privilege. Increasingly, however, public history has come to focus on a greater range of voices, and takes place in a wider range of forms: on websites, graphic novels, interactive sensory experiences, social media, and other digital spaces. In this community-engaged course, students learn to see public history "in the wild," engage with primary sources, and present those sources and historical interpretation to the public in digital form. Students with interests in history and public engagement are encouraged to enroll in this course.

Students and Associate Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Anelise Shrout meet in Bonney 160 at 8 a.m. on April 8 to review their projects before working on creating a topographical map of Lewiston’s Lisbon Street from 1850-1940. There will be three individuals per decade in Lisbon Street Lisbon buildings. Each student is assigned to research and profile on individual.

Public History in the Digital Age Public history takes place beyond history classrooms and academic contexts. Traditionally, it has been found in museums, walking tours, and performances, and has told the stories of people with social and political privilege. Increasingly, however, public history has come to focus on a greater range of voices, and takes place in a wider range of forms: on websites, graphic novels, interactive sensory experiences, social media, and other digital spaces. In this community-engaged course, students learn to see public history “in the wild,” engage with primary sources, and present those sources and historical interpretation to the public in digital form. Students with interests in history and public engagement are encouraged to enroll in this course. Students and Associate Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Anelise Shrout meet in Bonney 160 at 8 a.m. on April 8 to review their projects before working on creating a topographical map of Lewiston’s Lisbon Street from 1850-1940. There will be three individuals per decade in Lisbon Street Lisbon buildings. Each student is assigned to research and profile on individual.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Chris Agbonkhese teaches DCS 109 - Intro to Computer Science for Software Development” in Hedge G18 on Oct. 4, 2023.

This course is an introduction to computational thinking and problem solving via an introduction to computer programming, designed for students interested in broadly applying computing and software solutions across a range of disciplines. It considers computing as a discipline of study, exploring the representation and manipulation of data, fundamental algorithms, efficiency, and limits of computing. Students learn fundamentals of computer programming using Python, including basic data structures, flow control structures, functions, recursion, elementary object-oriented programming, and file I/O, as well as discussion of higher-level concepts including abstraction, modularity, reuse, testing, and debugging. By implementing programs in contexts such as image processing, voting algorithms, DNA sequence analysis, and simple games, students develop an understanding of computational problem solving and gain experience in broadly applicable software development skills.

One of the topics presented and discussed was “recall: for loop and if-statements.”

Visiting Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Chris Agbonkhese teaches DCS 109 – Intro to Computer Science for Software Development” in Hedge G18 on Oct. 4, 2023. This course is an introduction to computational thinking and problem solving via an introduction to computer programming, designed for students interested in broadly applying computing and software solutions across a range of disciplines. It considers computing as a discipline of study, exploring the representation and manipulation of data, fundamental algorithms, efficiency, and limits of computing. Students learn fundamentals of computer programming using Python, including basic data structures, flow control structures, functions, recursion, elementary object-oriented programming, and file I/O, as well as discussion of higher-level concepts including abstraction, modularity, reuse, testing, and debugging. By implementing programs in contexts such as image processing, voting algorithms, DNA sequence analysis, and simple games, students develop an understanding of computational problem solving and gain experience in broadly applicable software development skills. One of the topics presented and discussed was “recall: for loop and if-statements.”

Associate Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Carrie Diaz Eaton teaches MATH 316 - PIC Math: Community Engaged Data Science in Roger Williams 413 on Oct. 4, 2023.


This PIC Math (Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences) course is intended for students with a strong interest in industrial applications of mathematics and computation. Students work in teams on a research problem identified by a community partner from business, industry, or government. Students develop their mathematical and programming skills as well as skills and traits valued by employers of STEM professionals, such as teamwork, effective communication, independent thinking, problem solving, and final products. Prerequisite(s): MATH 205 and 206.

In an adjacent RW lounge, a group meets with its DCS community partner Jacqueline Crucet, Neighborhood Development Planner, on Zoom to discuss insights into housing data for the City of Lewiston.

In frame #690. From left, Jacob Gordon ’24, Cameron Frary ’24, Spencer Obiero ’25, and Elvira Keira Ishimwe ’25.

Associate Professor of Digital and Computational Studies Carrie Diaz Eaton teaches MATH 316 – PIC Math: Community Engaged Data Science in Roger Williams 413 on Oct. 4, 2023. This PIC Math (Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences) course is intended for students with a strong interest in industrial applications of mathematics and computation. Students work in teams on a research problem identified by a community partner from business, industry, or government. Students develop their mathematical and programming skills as well as skills and traits valued by employers of STEM professionals, such as teamwork, effective communication, independent thinking, problem solving, and final products. Prerequisite(s): MATH 205 and 206. In an adjacent RW lounge, a group meets with its DCS community partner Jacqueline Crucet, Neighborhood Development Planner, on Zoom to discuss insights into housing data for the City of Lewiston. In frame #690. From left, Jacob Gordon ’24, Cameron Frary ’24, Spencer Obiero ’25, and Elvira Keira Ishimwe ’25.