PJAS 14 Autumn-2
Lauren Tilton, Emeline Alexander, Luke Malcynsky and Hanglin Zhou
The Role of Metadata in American Studies
Polish Journal for American Studies, vol. 14 (Autumn 2020), pp. 149-163
Abstract:
This article argues that metadata can animate rather than stall American Studies inquiry. Data about data can enable and expand the kinds of context, evidence, and interdisciplinary methodological approaches that American Studies can engage with while taking back data from the very power structures that the field aims to reveal, critique, and abolish. As a result, metadata can be a site where the field realizes its intellectual and political commitments. The article draws on a range of digital humanities projects, with a focus on projects created by the authors, that demonstrate the possibilities (and challenges) of metadata for American Studies.
Key words: digital humanities, data, metadata, method
DOI: 10.7311/PJAS.14/2/2020.02