Module overview
This module is offered in the context of a multi-disciplinary programme that requires students to both demonstrate appropriate appreciation of disciplines which are foreign to them (including an understanding of current research and research methods, an awareness of the current limits of knowledge in that discipline) and an appreciation of the possibilities of multi- and inter-disciplinary research opportunities.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Case studies in the application of interdisciplinary approaches to real-world problems
- Critical analysis in an interdisciplinary setting
- Methods for constructing arguments from multi-disciplinary perspectives
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Differences in disciplinary approaches to Web analysis
- Issues surrounding navigating the languages of different disciplines
- Concepts in two different disciplines (of your choice) that are applicable to studies of the Web
- Related methodologies and techniques to a range of practical applications
Syllabus
This module addresses a large number of problems in web science, chosen by the students as individuals or in groups. Previous issues have included the following:
- What factors influence credibility on the Web?
- Does information want to be free
- What is misinformation and how and why does it spread on the Web?
- Does the Web have gatekeepers?
- Identity authenticity or identity anonymity?
- Should the web’s infrastructure directly protect any of the following: payments, privacy or piracy?
- The rights of individuals in the media spotlight to privacy in the digital environment appears confused and lacking direction. Is there a balance to be struck here and if so on what principles should it be based?
- What effect is the Web having on University operation?
- How can we create/utilise and spread Web memes e.g. viral videos for government to improve public health/public understanding of an issue?
- Should there be an international law of the web as there is an international law of the sea?
- Who is shaping the education web - students or faculty?
- What are the barriers to total adoption of the semantic web across different industries?
- Will true media convergence require a more open, and less 'walled' publishing web?
- Assess the problems associated with the development of a coherent policy for the regulation of Internet content in the EU.
- Can the Web reduce poverty?
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning is through lectures and tutorials
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wider reading or practice | 20 |
| Follow-up work | 5 |
| Tutorial | 10 |
| Completion of assessment task | 100 |
| Lecture | 10 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 5 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Repko A. F. (2008). Interdisciplinary Research: Process and Theory. Sage Publications.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Poster pitch
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Immediate group feedback will be provided verbally to prepare the students for Coursework #1. A summarised version will be circulated to students the following week.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Peer review
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Peer feedback is direct. After 1 week, group feedback will be provided to prepare the students for Coursework #2. Students can meet with an advisor via individual bookable slots to clarify their understanding in week 11 and after the vacation prior to the hand in deadline
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Poster | 10% |
| Coursework | 90% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External