306024 (v.1) Internet Studies 318 - Virtual Ethics

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Area:	Department of Media and Information
Credits:	25.0
Contact Hours:	2.0
Seminar:	1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Prerequisite(s):	301052 (v.3) Internet Studies 103 - Socio-Technological Introduction or any previous version
Syllabus:	Exploration of the understanding and practice of ethics in cyberspace. Examination of the various ethical frameworks that guide producers and users of digital technology and how they impact on society. Further exploration of the negotiation of difference and 'otherness' online and the ethical consequences of social, political and economic developments on the Internet.
Unit Outcomes:	On successful completion of this unit students will have- Developed skills to evaluate the ethical consequences of policy and legislative initiatives in relation to the Internet. Gained an understanding of ethical concerns raised by the social use of theInternet. Been able to think critically about the consequences and possibilities of the Internet for engaging in ethical relations.
Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.
Unit References:	Hague, B and Loader, B, (1999), Digital Democracy: Discourse and Decision Making in the Information Age, Routledge, London. Hauben, M and Hauben, R, (1997), Netizens: On the History and Impact of Usenet and the Internet, IEEE Computer Society, Los Alamitos, California. Jordan, T, (1999), Cyber power: the culture and politics of cyberspace and the Internet, New York : Routledge, London. Slevin, J, (2000), The Internet and Society, Polity Press, Cambridge. Wilhelm, A, (2000), Democracy in the Digital Age: Challenges to Political Life in Cyberspace, Routledge, London.
Unit Texts:	No prescribed texts : online sources and e-reserve.
Unit Assessment Breakdown:	Continuous Assessment - 100%. This is by Grade/Mark Assessment.