General description
This module provides a beginner-friendly introduction to programming with Python, with an emphasis on automatic text processing. Students learn fundamental programming concepts such as variables, data types, operators, control structures, functions, and file handling. Furthermore, they develop the ability to analyse problems, break them into manageable steps, and write simple programs to automate repetitive or data-intensive tasks. The course also covers good practices in file management, code documentation and error handling. No prior programming experience is required; only basic computer skills.
As from 2026 onwards, this module can be followed together with module 3 Natural Language Processing in a complete NLP track for this Summer School.
Target audience
Students with a background in (applied) linguistics, translation or interpreting studies and an interest in programming.
Course prerequisites
No prior knowledge about programming is required. Prior knowledge about Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a plus.
Course materials
Copies of slides and coding exercises will be provided. The participants are free to bring their own laptops (with Internet connection or using guest accounts provided by the UGent).
Teacher bio
Colin Swaelens is a postdoctoral researcher at the Language and Translation Technology Team at Ghent University, with a specific research interest in natural language processing of ancient languages. He obtained a degree in classics (KU Leuven) and then the Advanced Masters degree in Artificial Intelligence (KU Leuven).
Joni Kruijsbergen is a PhD student in the Language and Translation Technology Team at Ghent University, where she researches automated writing support for Dutch learner writing. She obtained a Masters degree in Computational Linguistics and then an Advanced Masters degree in Speech and Language Technology (AI), both of which at KU Leuven.
Schedule
- Monday 13/07/2026, 14:00-15:30 & 16:00-17:30
- Tuesday 14/07/2026, 14:00-15:30 & 16:00-17:30
- Wednesday 15/07/2026, 14:00-15:30 & 16:00-17:30
- Thursday 16/07/2026, 14:00-15:30 & 16:00-17:30
- Friday 17/07/2026, 14:00-15:30 & 16:00-17:30