The information age

HSTM20282 (10-credit); HSTM20782 (20-credit)

Semester Two, Thursdays, 16.00-18.00

Aims

How did information-processing equipment come to dominate, by the beginning of the twenty-first century, so many areas of human life? Who are the winners and losers in a computerised, automated, data-driven world? Is “information technology” applied computer science, or applied bureaucracy? This course tries to answer this question by tracing the histories of a range of technological developments, from the mechanical calculating machines of the nineteenth century to the global networked systems of today.
The course is equally suitable for computer science students and those who have never studied the field, but are interested in learning more about the background of one of the dominant technologies of our time.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, it is expected that a student taking the 10-credit version will

have a good working knowledge of major developments in the history of information technology, particularly from the Second World War onwards
have developed skills in critical reasoning and analysis, understanding the different motivations of historical characters in the history of information technology, and the differences in the ways they interpret and describe events
be able to appreciate, and display the ability to analyse and discuss, the different factors - social, technical, sometimes accidental - which shape the history of computing, and the definition of the computer and its users

In addition, a student taking the 20-credit version will

have defined (in consultation with the lecturer) a research project in the history of computing
be able to find, and assess critically, relevant primary and secondary sources
have produced, with full scholarly apparatus, a report (or alternative piece of work, subject to the lecturer’s approval) based on this research.

Lecture Content

Lectures and seminars are likely to cover the following themes:

Charles Babbage and mechanical calculation
Managing information before the digital computer
Robots in reality and fiction
Alan Turing and thinking machines
Software
The 1980s: computers in the home
Women, men and computers
Information-age fears
Boffins, wizards, hackers and nerds: images of ‘computer people’
Mass internet access and online identity

Assessment

10 credit unit (HSTM20282) - 1500 word essay (50%); 2 hour exam (50%)

20 credit unit (HSTM20782) - 1500 word essay (25%); 2 hour exam (25%); extended project of around 3000 words (50%)

Prerequisites

None.

Feedback
Students may ask questions at any time during lectures and seminars. Teaching staff can usually answer specific queries by email or during office hours, and will provide contact details in the course handbook or at lectures. All submitted coursework will be returned with annotations and an assessment sheet explaining the mark awarded.

In addition, students on the 20-credit version (HSTM20782) will receive comments on the progress of their projects through individual supervision meetings.