Computational Literacies (Autumn 2023)

Abstract

This course introduces key concepts from computing and enables students to understand software in an organisational, historical, and cultural context. The course is at an introductory level and is well-suited for students with limited or no technical background.

Description

Computational Literacies is designed to introduce a wide range of topics from computing to students with limited or no prior technical background. Students will learn key concepts from computing and perform hands-on learning activities in order to be able to meaningfully participate in the management of software development projects. Students will also gain a background in the cultural and organisational contexts in which software has historically been developed.

Formal prerequisites

Intended learning outcomes

After the course, the student should be able to:

• Relate computational concepts and theories to real-world cases and applications of IT
• Describe complexities in organisational software development processes
• Recognise and reflect upon elements of software code and software artefacts in existing systems
• Explore computing as a socio-cultural phenomenon with political and ethical implications
• Discuss current trends, debates and controversies in approaches to IT development

Learning activities

Lectures - Students are expected to come to lecture prepared with reflections on the assigned readings. Lectures will introduce key concepts to support students' exploration of computing cultures and understanding of software in organisational and historical context, as well as supporting students to critically reflect and discuss current debates and controversies in IT development.

Exercises - This course has a high level of engagement through hands-on exercises for skills development and technical writing. Students are expected to seek out and find sources about real-world cases of IT systems and existing computational practices. Exercises will provide a foundation of skills for completing written assignments.

Readings - Readings will introduce students to key terms, trends, debates, and controversies in IT development .

Course Library - Students will contribute through written assignments to a collaborative Course Library that will become a resource for the Final Exam. The Library will include entries on technical jargon, debates, cases, and software artefacts relevant to computation and IT development. Students will complete written submissions to the Library based on a combination of independent desk research and group work. Students will also contribute by reviewing and editing peer writing. Written assignments will draw from a variety of sources such as tech journalism, student conducted interviews, close readings of software artefacts, and analyses of online fora for professional IT developers. 

Peer Review - During the term, there will be several opportunities for peer review. Students will submit their individual contributions to the Course Library to PeerGrade for peer review with a focus on technical writing and argumentation. It is mandatory that students participate in this peer review (which includes review of two classmates' writing) at least once during the semester. 

Demo Day - Students will work in groups to create an interactive demo re-imagining a future for a failed or obsolete IT system. The format will be a poster presentation and/or interactive demo table. Participating in Demo Day and submitting the demo to PeerGrade for feedback (and providing feedback on two demos) can count as one mandatory peer review. 

Mandatory activities

The course runs for 14 weeks and is made of up seven two-week modules. During each two-week module there will be a written assignment supported by exercises and completed outside of class and submitted to the Course Library.

Participating in peer review of these written assignments at least once during the term is mandatory for participation in the exam. Students must complete a review of two classmates' writing (review of max 8 pages) for the peer review to be considered complete. 

A make-up assignment consisting of reviewing a text chosen by the course instructors will be made available in module 7 to participate in the exam. 

The student will receive the grade NA (not approved) at the ordinary exam, if the mandatory activities are not approved and the student will use an exam attempt.

Course literature

The course literature is published in the course page in LearnIT.

Student Activity Budget

Estimated distribution of learning activities for the typical student

• Preparation for lectures and exercises: 30%
• Lectures: 15%
• Exercises: 15%
• Assignments: 20%
• Exam with preparation: 20%

Ordinary exam

Exam type:
C: Submission of written work, External (7-point scale)
Exam variation:
C11: Submission of written work

reexam

Exam type:
C: Submission of written work, External (7-point scale)
Exam variation:
C11: Submission of written work

Time and date

Ordinary Exam - submission Fri, 15 Dec 2023, 08:00 - 14:00
Reexam - submission Fri, 1 Mar 2024, 08:00 - 14:00