Course Catalogue

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This course promotes the idea that by understanding our digital heritage we can better understand our digital future. The course will use historical and practical examples to illustrate various aspects of computing: the history of automatons from the ancient world to the present, the development of the electronic computer, software and hardware, operating systems, the development of programming languages and programming interfaces, the history and development of the present networked computing environment, with particular emphasis on the use of ICT in the humanities.

1x1hr lectures; 1x1hr experiential learning session (1 hour), lab, visit, seminar etc. as scheduled in MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Information Studies and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Digital Media and Information Studies, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

ARTMED4039 - History of Information Communication Technology

INFOSTUD4010 - History of Information Communication Technology 

None

Essay (3,000 words) - 60%

Or

Creative Project plus a 1,500 word reflective report on a topic to be agreed with the convenor, by agreed date - 60% Exam ( 60 minutes) - 40%

The course aims to:

■ explore the broad chronology of a range of technological developments,

■ explore how information and communication technologies are experienced in everyday life.

■ develop skills in research, writing, analysis and interpretation, through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions

■ examine how ICTs are socially shaped, through looking at current theoretical frameworks as well as historical and contemporary examples

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Identify and explain major technological developments, particularly within arts and humanities

■ Appreciate, and display the ability to analyse and discuss the different factors - social & technical which shape the history of ICT and computing

■ Display skills in critical reasoning and analysis

■ Locate and assess critically, relevant primary and secondary sources

■ Communicate complex information both in writing and in oral presentation

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.