Course Catalogue

History of Information Communication Technology (MCS) INFOST5031

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course promotes the idea that by understanding our digital heritage we can better understand our digital future. The course will use historical and practical examples to illustrate various aspects of computing: the history of automatons from the ancient world to the present, the development of the electronic computer, software and hardware, operating systems, the development of programming languages and programming interfaces, the history and development of the present networked computing environment, with particular emphasis on the use of ICT in the humanities.

Timetable

1x1hr lectures; 1x1hr experiential learning session (1 hour), lab, visit, seminar etc. as scheduled in MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College Level.

Excluded Courses

INFOSTUD4010

INFOST4019

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (5,000 words) - 60% OR Creative Project plus a 2,000-word reflective report on a topic to be agreed with the convenor, by agreed date - 60%

■ Exam ( 60 minutes) - 40%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the report, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the exam, but extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ explore the broad chronology of a range of technological developments,

■ explore how information and communication technologies are experienced in everyday life.

■ develop skills in research, writing, analysis and interpretation, through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions

■ examine how ICTs are socially shaped, through looking at current theoretical frameworks as well as historical and contemporary examples

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Identify and explain major technological developments, particularly within arts and humanities

■ Appreciate, and display the ability to analyse and discuss the different factors - social & technical which shape the history of ICT and computing

■ Display skills in critical reasoning and analysis

■ Locate and assess critically, relevant primary and secondary sources

■ Communicate complex information both in writing and in oral presentation

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions