Minor

Minor Requirements for the Class of 2028 and Beyond

Digital and computational studies courses span programming, computational theory, digital studies, and critical theory. All courses are contextualized in real-world settings and/or partner disciplines. 

The primary goals of Digital and Computational Studies are to encourage students to critically interrogate the values and assumptions of the digitized and computational world, to develop algorithmic thinking and implementation skills suitable for solving a variety of real-world problems, to create inclusive and equitable digital and computational spaces, and to engage students in metacognition to support this work.

Students completing the minor will gain experience in:

  • Creating interdisciplinary bridges between the liberal arts and the digital world.
  • Collaborating with each other to tackle social justice and community issues using digital and computational skills.
  • Solving complex problems with a critical lens and computational and algorithmic thinking.

These are shared learning goals across DCS courses. Students are encouraged to engage in an exploration of breadth through courses tagged in different areas. Students will also have the opportunity to develop depth in particular areas of interest, with elective credits.

The minor consists of six courses:

  1. Courses are listed, or cross-listed, as DCS, not including DCS 401. 
  2. With prior approval of the chair of DCS, up to two of the six courses may be replaced by another option, such as an internship or a course taken outside Bates. If approved, DCS 401 may be included as one of these courses.  *F-1 visa holders are not eligible for internships outside their major area of study. For more information, students should consult with Shelley Palmer in the Center for Global Education. 
  3. At least two courses are at the 200-level or 300-level, or the s20 level or above.
  4. Content areas:
    • At least one course in Critical Digital Studies designated with the (DCS: Critical Digital St.) attribute;
    • At least one course on Programming and Computer Science Theory designated with the (DCS: Programming & Theory) attribute;
    • At least one course on Digital and Computational Praxis designated with the (DCS: Praxis) attribute. This includes courses on Computational Modeling and Statistics, Data Analysis, Computational Creativity and Art, and Digital Community Engagement.
  5. At least three courses must be taught by Bates faculty. Internships do not count toward these three courses.

Courses are tagged with attributes to indicate their engagement with the various practices, theories, and applications in digital and computational studies. A course with two attributes may count for each corresponding content area: double-dipping is permitted.

Pass/fail Grading Option

Pass/fail grading may be elected for only one course applied toward the minor in DCS.

Short Term Courses

Students may include up to two Short Term courses as part of their DCS minor. Short Terms each count as one course toward the minor. 

DCS GEC

This minor is not available to students who have declared a GEC in DCS.