From Analog to Digital: An Interactive History of Computing
SCI5-5b-Thu2-S25
Danielle Wallner
This course will take place in person at 60 Turner Street. The room will be equipped with a HEPA air purifier.
April 24 - May 22
From punch cards to smartphones, the digital revolution has transformed the way we live, work, and connect. But how did we get here? In this course, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind the machines we use every day. This isn’t a computer science class but a historical exploration through time, where we’ll look at the people, inventions, and stories that shaped modern computing.
We’ll cover the development of electronic computing, moving through the five generations of computers, and dive into key topics like the mathematical foundations of computing, the hardware evolution, and the social and political questions raised with each innovation. Special focus will be given to pivotal moments, such as the role of early mainframes, and the often-overlooked contributions of women in computing.
By completing this course, students will gain not only a deeper appreciation of the technology that surrounds us, but also practical insights into how we can approach today’s tech with more confidence. Along the way, we’ll take two fun, interactive field trips—to see the Harvard Mark I, one of the earliest mainframes, and to the MIT Museum, which highlights the contributions of 20th-century women to digital society.
No prior technical knowledge is needed, just curiosity and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re an avid tech user or a little hesitant, this course will offer a fresh perspective on how we got here and where we’re headed.
Course will encourage discussion, with a dedicated time to discuss each class.
Book: Computing: A Concise History by Paul E. Ceruzzi
Optional readings and videos will be available on the course google site and sent out via weekly emails.
1.5 Hours (approximately 1-2 articles, 1-2 chapters, and an optional video segment which will be sent out each week)
Danielle Wallner is a PhD Student in the Brandeis University History Department, where she also received her MA in 2023. She studies Soviet and Russian History with a specific interest in the History of Science. Her research focuses on the emergence of Soviet Computer Science and Programming throughout the Soviet Republics with an emphasis on Computing Centers and Computer Scientists outside of Moscow during the period of the 1950s to the 1980s. She is broadly interested in the history of indigenous computing cultures during the 20th century before IBM and western integration.