Cybersociety (Science 3)

Subject 136-305 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour tutorial/practical session per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Two second year HPS subjects.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: Students who have completed 103-210/310 Cybersociety: Information Technology, Society and Self (or 103-005/136-205 Cybersociety) are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Michael Arnold
Subject Overview:

In this subject students will engage in a study of high-technology and information systems in a social and cultural context, and will examine critical issues which lie at the intersection of the social and the technical. Topics covered include cybernetics, cyberspace, cyborgs and other cybers, virtual lives and virtual communities, the information economy, privacy and surveillance, digital convergence, multimedia and hypermedia, and techno-utopian and dystopian visions. Students will participate in theoretical work and hands-on experience. Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to critically analyse and evaluate controversial issues relating to information systems in the social context, argue credible positions in relation to these controversies, and be able to identify and draw upon the major theoretical and methodological discourses through which the relationship between information systems and society might be understood.

Assessment: An essay of 2000 words on a chosen topic 35% (due at the end of semester), an essay of 2000 words relating your science major to a chosen topic 35% (due at the end of semester), an essay of 1000 words 15% (due in week 4), a seminar presentation of 800 words 10% (due throughout the semester) and contribution to an online discussion 5% (due throughout the semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.

136-305 is only available in science at third year. This subject is based on 136-205 but involves additional work..

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)

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