Introduction to Information Modelling
This course introduces the theoretical foundations of modelling and the practical techniques of data modelling, with a particular focus on relational data models in SQL.
Instructor: Sarah Lang
Course Overview
The course introduces students to the principles of model theory and data modelling as foundational methods in the Digital Humanities. Beginning with Herbert Stachowiak’s general model theory, it examines models as instruments of knowledge production before turning to the concepts and terminology of data modelling.
Students learn how to develop data models from initial conceptualisation to implementation. Topics include entity-relationship modelling, the transformation of conceptual models into machine-processable logical structures, and the representation of data using different modelling approaches. While relational, hierarchical, and network-based structures are discussed, particular emphasis is placed on relational data models, their implementation in SQL and their application in humanities research.
This course was taught many times at the University of Graz in Summer Semester 2021 (with Georg Vogeler), Winter Semester 2021/2022, Summer Semester 2022, Winter Semester 2022/2023, Summer Semester 2023, Winter Semester 2023/2024, Summer Semester 2024, and Winter Semester 2024/2025.