This module will provide an overview of Extensible Markup language; give students the opportunity to practice XML markup techniques and demonstrate the use of XML in publishing. Topics include document analysis, the basics of markup, information modelling, DTDs and Schemas, Stylesheets and XSLT. The method of delivery will be mixed, involving lectures, class discussion, and practical lab based sessions.

Learning outcomes: By the end of the module students will have an understanding of the principles and role of structured generic markup. They will be able to create well-formed and valid XML documents, write DTDs and Schemas and deliver XML documents over the Web using different style sheets. They will also be able to assess and evaluate the role of XML for the management and delivery of electronic information.

Sessions: the following is the schedule for the last academic session and may be subject to change.

Session 1: Introduction. Origins and role of XML. Structure of an XML document (elements and attributes). Document deconstruction and analysis (constructing a document tree).
	Session 2: Further document analysis. Well-formed documents. Practical exercise in marking up a document.
	Session 3: Principles of document type definitions (DTDs). Building and implementing simple DTDs. Marking up documents according to a DTD. Validating documents. Using the Oxygen XML Editor.
	Session 4: More Oxygen and XML editing
	Session 5: More document analysis and markup validation. A case study as a detailed example.
Reading Week

Session 6: Introduction to XML Schemas
	Session 7: Introduction to XSL stylesheets
	Session 8: Creating outputs with XSLT stylesheets
	Session 9: more work with XSL stylesheets
	Session 10: Other XML standards and applications
Background Reading

C. M. Sperberg-McQueen and Lou Burnard (2004) A Gentle Introduction to XML
	Allen H. Renear, 'Text Encoding', in Susan Schreibman, Ray Siemens, John Unsworth (eds.) A Companion to Digital Humanities. Blackwell, 2004, pp. 218-239 (http://www.digitalhumanities.org/companion/).
	James Cummings, 'The Text Encoding Initiative and the Study of Literature', in Ray Siemens, Susan Schreibman (eds.) A Companion to Digital Literary Studies. Blackwell, 2008 (http://www.digitalhumanities.org/companionDLS/).
	Willard McCarty, 'Modeling: A Study in Words and Meanings' in Susan Schreibman, Ray Siemens, John Unsworth (eds.)A Companion to Digital Humanities. Oxford: Blackwell, 2004, pp. 254-270 (http://www.digitalhumanities.org/companion/).
	Perry Willett, 'Electronic Texts: Audiences and Purposes', in Susan Schreibman, Ray Siemens, John Unsworth (eds.) A Companion to Digital Humanities. Blackwell, 2004, pp. 240-253 (http://www.digitalhumanities.org/companion/).
	C. M. Sperberg-McQueen, 'Classification and its Structures', in Susan Schreibman, Ray Siemens, John Unsworth (eds.) A Companion to Digital Humanities Blackwell, 2004, pp. 161-176 (http://www.digitalhumanities.org/companion/).
	Claire Warwick, 'Print Scholarship and Digital Resources', in Susan Schreibman, Ray Siemens, John Unsworth (eds.) A Companion to Digital Humanities Blackwell, 2004, pp. 366-382 ( http://www.digitalhumanities.org/companion/).
Prerequisites: Students must have taken and passed the INST0018 Internet Technologies module or have extensive experience of working with HTML markup and CSS stylesheets.

Compulsory module on: MA and MSc Digital Humanities