Student Projects 2023

Ryan Chan, An Bui Duc Khanh, Thomas Radinger

The project investigates the portrayal of feminism in U.S. newspapers from 1980 to 2009, utilizing computational techniques like topic modeling (LDA) and colocation to identify and assess media framing of the feminist movement. The study uncovers both established and new frames, highlighting how feminism is intertwined with broader social issues and extends beyond the typical Western focus. By analyzing articles from multiple newspapers over three decades, this study clarifies how feminist discourse has evolved in the media and its impact on public perception. 

Mariella Daghfal, Kaede Johnson, Shayan Khajehnouri

The project examines the impact of memoirs on shaping the collective memory of the Paris Commune, a brief socialist uprising in Paris in 1871. Analyzing twenty-four memoirs from both supporters and opponents, the research employs computational tools like LSA, LDA, and TF-IDF to investigate how narrative styles influenced public perception and memory formation. The findings reveal that while anti-Commune narratives used more cohesive language to standardize memory, pro-Commune narratives, with their rich and engaging language, had a stronger impact on shaping a vibrant collective memory. 

Davide Romano, Cindy Tang, Junzhe Tang

The project employs computational tools to analyze over 600 oral histories from the Voices of the Manhattan Project, utilizing Topic Modeling and Name-Entity Recognition to identify prominent topics and individuals. By integrating insights from memory studies, the research connects these findings to the broader psychological and social factors influencing memory formation. The analysis reveals a multifaceted view of the Manhattan Project, encompassing scientific, personal, and political dimensions, and sets the stage for further explorations into the cultural memory surrounding this important research program.

Ben Kriesel, Ke Li, Xingchen Li, Margaux Zwierski

The project delves into Ukiyo-e, a traditional Japanese art form, to explore the societal transformations during the Westernization of Japan, particularly in the Meiji period. By employing computational techniques, the research analyzes over 177,000 Ukiyo-e images to identify and track the prevalence of Western influence across various aspects of Japanese life, including technology, fashion, and art. The findings reveal shifts in genres and the emergence or decline of specific themes. This research highlights the significant role of visual data in historical analysis and suggests further exploration to refine these methods for more detailed insights into Japan’s Westernization process.