The University of Southampton
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Electronics and Computer Science➞Undergraduate

WEBS6203 Interdisciplinary Thinking

Module Overview

[NB This modules is called Interdisciplinary Studies. Please correct.]

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.

No specific pre-requisites.

Aims & Objectives

Aims

  • the concepts in two different disciplines (of your choice) that are applicable to studies of the Web
  • the differences in disciplinary approaches to Web analysis
  • related methodologies and techniques to a range of practical applications
  • The issues surrounding navigating the languages of different disciplines
  • Case studies in the application of interdisciplinary approaches to real-world problems
  • Methods for constructing arguments from multi-disciplinary perspectives
  • Critical analysis in an interdisciplinary setting

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 & Teaching

Learning & teaching methods

ActivityDescriptionHours
LectureOne lecture per week10
TutorialStudent-led study groups, once per week10

Assessment

Assessment methods

MethodHoursPercentage contribution
Poster pitch: students make short presentations to their peers presenting an overview of the interdisciplinary analysis of their chosen Web Science. A version of their poster will be printed and on display-0%
Poster: Interdisciplinary Coursework #1 Students have the opportunity to revise the poster they presented earlier in the week, if they choose.-10%
Peer review of draft individual reports (in pairs) -0%
Multidisciplinary Investigation Based on Private Reading, Individual Interdisciplinary Coursework #2-90%

Referral Method: By set coursework assignment(s)

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