module specification

This module focuses on computer laws, social, ethical and professional issues (LSEPI) underpinning the IT discipline. It also covers techniques for the world of work such as job search, CV and interviews as well as professional ethics and responsibilities. Topics on academic research and academic writing are also presented. (Exam and course work).

Assessment: Coursework (60%) + Unseen exam (40%)  [Pass on aggregate]

The aims of this module are to:

• Provide students with knowledge and understanding of the regulations governing the digital environment (e.g. Internet) and social, ethical and professional issues (LSEPI) underpinning the IT discipline.
• Prepare students for the world of work and equip them with the knowledge and appreciation of professional bodies, code of conducts and professional certifications.
• Introduce students to academic research and research ethics, and to academic writing.

n/a

Computer Law and LSEPI issues:

Information and Society

Regulating the digital environment

Electronic Information, risks, misuse and criminal activity

Digital content and intellectual property rights

Ecommerce (contracts, liability and payments)

Privacy and access to Information

Future challenges (e.g.  the Cloud, Green IT, Virtual Worlds) - LO1, LO2

The World of Work

Professional ethics and responsibilities

Professional bodies’ Codes of Conduct

Job search, CV,  job interviews, aptitude tests and professional certifications - LO3, LO4

Introduction to research

Research ethics and the University code of conduct

Literature search and review, academic writing, referencing and avoiding plagiarism LO5, LO6

Topics will be introduced through the medium of formal lectures, supported by tutorials and workshops sessions, and blended learning as follows:

Lecture (1 hour / week):

Introduction of the major topics (LSEPI) identified in the syllabus, plus suggestions for practical exercises, directed reading and other further study

Tutorial/ Workshop (2 hour / week):

Consolidating the understanding of topics introduced through: weekly assignments and use of case studies, small group discussions and other activities in the tutorial sessions. Tutorials will be student centred using carefully graduated exercises to build up student's confidence and self-esteem and will also provide the opportunity for students to reinforce learning and demonstrate their skills and receive individual advice from their tutor.

Blended learning:

Using the University’s VLE and online tools to deliver content, assessment and feedback, to encourage active learning, and to enhance student engagement and learning experience.

    Reflective learning/complete PDP:

Students will continue with their reflective journal to evaluate the development of their academic, professional and technical skills and their relationship to employability. They will plan for improvement and future direction.

LO1 Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of Legal, social, ethical and

professional issues (LSEPI) underpinning the IT discipline, and present a piece of

critical analysis of their relevance to a topic of current importance.

LO2 Appreciate and explain current regulations, and professional body guidelines (such

as BCS Code of Conduct) governing the IT discipline.

LO3 Understand the importance of a good CV and cover letter, good interview

technique together with an insight into the recruitment process of employers.

LO4 Provide evidence of personal reflection and evaluation on the importance of

academic, professional and technical skills, their relationship to employability and the

need to plan for improvement and continuing professional development.

LO5 Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of ethical issues underpinning

academic research and professional accountability.

LO6 Effectively research, plan, structure and deliver an academic report and

presentation.

The module will be assessed through a 2-hour unseen written examination (40%), and by coursework (60%).

The written exam will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of current regulations governing the IT discipline (LO2) and analyse and explain relevant legal, social, ethical and professional issues (LSEPI) (LO1).

Through the weekly tasks and Personal Development Planning (PDP), students will build their awareness of the importance of LSEPI issues. This will take the form of an extended piece of academic writing about a topic of current importance, addressing each of the issues (LSEPI) in an appropriate way, referencing key sources such as Computer Law, Ethics, Principles, Social Effects and Professional Issues (such as code of conduct). (LO1 – LO2). Their employability skills and personal development will also be examined by a short section on self-reflection in the coursework essay (LO3 – LO4).

The coursework will examine students’ abilities to research, review, plan and structure a substantial piece of academic writing as well as their awareness of research ethics, critical thinking and self-evaluation (LO5 – LO6). 

During the tutorial/workshop sessions, tutors will provide on-going support and formative feedback. Students will have the opportunities to discuss with tutors their understanding of the main topics delivered in the lecture and will receive on-going feedback on the weekly tasks where strengths and weaknesses will be identified as well as suggestions for action/further study to improve performance. Students will also be encouraged to bring their reflective diary and coursework queries to the tutorial/workshop sessions to get feedback on their progress.

Students will receive summative feedback for the final submission of their coursework, and formative feedback on a draft to be submitted three weeks before the deadline.

Textbooks:

Core Text:

Sara Baase (2013), Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology, International 4th Edition, Pearson. 

Other Texts:

Adams & McCrindle (2008) Pandora's Box: Social and Professional Issues of the Information Age, Wiley.

Andrew Murray (2010), Information Technology Law: The law and society, Oxford University Press.

Chris Reed & John Angel (2007), Computer Law: The Law and Regulation of Information Technology 6thedition, Oxford University Press.

David Bainbridge (2008) ,Introduction to Information Technology Law, Pearson.

Mark O'Neill (2010), Green IT for Sustainable Business Practice: A Foundation Guide, BCS.

Websites:

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT (http://www.bcs.org/)

BCS Code of Conduct  (http://www.bcs.org/category/6030)