Software in Society

Code

COMP3013

School

Computer Science

Level

3

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

The aim of module is to promote understanding of the relationships between software and society. We will cover key historical and contemporary developments in software to develop a holistic perspective of the role software plays in the wider social world. We will also consider how current research and theory can help us understand the impacts of software, including how impacts differ across different demographics. In addition, the module will explore how software can benefit social good, for instance through quality and sustainability, and by addressing social problems.  

Potential topics include:

• The history of software: what societal factors have played a role in shaping how we experience software today?
• Different software practices and uses around the world.
• Technological determinism vs the social shaping of technology: does innovation in software necessitate societal change? Does societal change necessitate innovation in software?
• EDI in the software industry: why do we think girls don’t code?
• EDI in software impacts: socio economic and racial disparities in access and accessibility.
• Strategies for doing inclusive design, including algorithmic and technical bias.
• Interactional paradigms: why do we use the ones we do, and how might they change as society changes?
• The role of quality software in society: what does quality mean? The role of standards, metrics and user/stakeholder engagement.
• Value sensitive design: how can values be embedded into software and software development practices? e.g. privacy by design
• Sustainability in software: FAIR principles and the open-source software movement.

Target Students

Available to Level 3 and 4 students in the School of Computer Science. This module is part of the Software Engineering theme in the School of Computer Science.Students should have an interest in the relationships between software and society. This includes the historical context for innovations in software and the growth of new development methodologies, the impacts of software on society overall and on different social groups, and the important role that quality software plays in modern life. The module provides students with a rounded understanding that situates design and development in the contemporary world. It also encourages them to engage critically with current innovations and controversies in software. Students undertaking a dissertation project that examines/develops the use of technology to address a social problem will find the topics and skills development covered in the module particularly resonant.

Classes

• One 2-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: Coursework demonstrating learning and reflections on the role of software in society. Reassessment is 100% written (in person) examination.

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• A broad understanding of the relationships between software and society. This will include historical, theoretical and research perspectives, plus understanding of key issues relating to software development and sustainability.

Intellectual skills

• The ability to think critically about the wider impacts of software in society.
• The ability to identify key dynamics that drive software development, software sustainability, and software for social good.

Professional skills

• The ability to make links between software and society.
• Knowledge of industry standards for software, and the ability to identify relevant standards.
• The ability to recognise societal quality factors for software.

Transferable skills

• Critical thinking.
• Group work and communication skills.

Conveners

• Dr Aislinn Bergin
• Dr Helena Webb