What is it about?
Have you ever wondered whether you would see your sources differently if you organized them differently? Have you ever found yourself plugging information into a spreadsheet and worrying that you aren’t doing it "correctly" or that your data isn't "big" enough? Or maybe you suspect that your data isn't data at all?
Grab a cup of coffee and join this low-stress, low-tech, virtual workshop. Over the course of three mornings you will learn essential concepts and practices. You will learn to recognize how historical datasets are structured and understand the relative advantages of flat and relational data. We will work with qualitative and quantitative sources to test the applicability of what we are learning. Along the way we will demystify codebooks and classification schemes. By the time you leave, you will be well on the way to producing usable, shareable data of your own.
Who can apply?
DataBasics is open to anyone working on a historical topic regardless of status, discipline, academic institution, or time zone. It is intended for those with little or no experience organizing and structuring data. Graduate students are warmly encouraged to apply. "Seats" are limited and the studio will take place on Zoom.
Cost: $25, payable after registration confirmation. (Note: The workshop is free for Harvard students.)
December 19, 2025: Registration deadline
December 23, 2025: Registration confirmation
January 5-7, 2026: Sessions
Schedule and full details are available on the registration page.
Accessibility
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 617-495-4037 or daviscenter@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance if possible. Please note that the Davis Center will make every effort to secure services but that services are subject to availability.
