History

Decoding Cultures of Technology and Social Change

Module code: V3090
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Report, Essay

This module examines the historic and contemporary cultures associated with computational technology. Investigating the ‘practices and cultures’ associated with technology, it provides an alternative perspective on digital and data futures motivated by social justice perspective and praxis. Designed to respond to the challenges of our contemporary digital world, students will explore topics such as the history of women in technology; bias and discrimination in computational systems; inclusive design and design justice; feminist HCI; critical digital humanities; computational ethics; among others. By decoding the cultures associated with computational technology, it asks how, we can collaborate more strategically across disciplinary boundaries to promote and imagine more socially aware digital and data futures.

Module learning outcomes

• Develop ability to use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis.
• Critically understand principles, and theories, of the module, and demonstrate ability to apply them widely.
• Develop research skills and exercise decision-making in choosing and critically evaluating a range of appropriate primary and secondary sources.