The highly anticipated Masterclass on Digital Islamic Studies concluded successfully, as it brought together 39 participants from various universities across Indonesia. The event, which took place from 3rd to 5th July 2023, was conducted through a teleconference at the Faculty A building.
The rapid growth of digital media had a profound impact on Muslim societies and the study of Islam. One significant outcome was the emergence of digital humanities, a field that employed computational and technological methods to conduct research in the humanities. In the field of Islamic studies, digital technology facilitated the digitization of Islamic texts, enhancing their accessibility and enabling extensive analysis.
For example, the availability of big data on Islamic texts allowed scholars to analyze semantic shifts in Islamic literary history over long periods—a task that was previously challenging with traditional methods. These developments showcased the transformative potential of digital technologies in uncovering new areas of research in Islamic studies and related fields.
The Second Annual Masterclass on Practical Training in Digital Islamic Studies, organized by the Center of Islam and Global Challenges (IGC) at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), aimed to provide participants with practical guidance on conducting digital humanities research. Esteemed experts in the field delivered a series of lectures over three days, covering various topics, including an introduction to machine learning using Python.
By offering valuable insights and equipping scholars with essential skills and knowledge, the primary objective of the program was to enable participants to embrace the future trajectory of researching Islam and the humanities in the digital age. The masterclass focused on four key outcomes:
- Understanding Digital Humanities (DH): Participants were equipped with foundational knowledge necessary to comprehend and appreciate the breadth and potential of Digital Humanities.
- Identifying Problems DH Can Solve: Participants developed the ability to identify and understand the types of problems that could effectively be tackled using DH methodologies and techniques.
- Hands-on Experience in Computer Programming: The practical training provided participants with hands-on experience in solving real research problems using Python.
- Fostering Computational Thinking: In addition to acquiring technical skills, the masterclass placed a strong emphasis on fostering computational thinking among participants to develop a broader problem-solving mindset applicable across various domains.
The Masterclass on Digital Islamic Studies proved to be a highly enriching and transformative experience for all involved. The event marked a significant milestone in exploring the potential of digital technologies in advancing research within the field of Islamic studies and related disciplines.