What will I learn on this module?
What is a ‘good’ technology? This module will provide an introduction to the range of effects, opportunities and unintended consequences, that computing has upon society. The design decisions taking in developing technologies can have far reaching consequences across all areas of society, from big philosophical questions such as ‘can computers ever be sentient’, to shopping for groceries, and biohacking.
This module will provide a foundation in concepts such as the forms of harms which can arise from the design, development, and use of technologies, including algorithmic harms, and compounding existing inequalities. Conversely you will be familiarised with where disruption provides new opportunities and challenges society to re-evaluate the status quo. This is approached through a framing which considers broader attitudes towards technology, sustainability, what drives the development of technology for profit, and how users may stage resistance against authority/power using computers. Topics include algorithmic harms, the digital citizen and pro/anti-social behaviours, morality and ethical design, and future of a digital society.
During ‘Computers & Society’ you will engage in research-rich critical analyses of harm arising through the development of technology, learn how to develop evidence-driven arguments, and position yourself as a responsible computing professional by identifying what harms you might unintentionally contribute to, and how you might avoid or mitigate doing so.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures, interactive workshops, group work, and independent learning. The lectures will cover theory and techniques to provide you with a foundation in understanding the professional, ethical, legal, and societal implications of technology, with a detailed evaluation of benefits, opportunities, potential harms arising, and techniques for avoiding or mitigating these harms. You will further your understanding during the workshops in which you will work through tutor-led exercises individually and in groups to critically assess both research and our own assumptions.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by tutors during the timetabled sessions and you will receive formative feedback on your work and engagement with the workshop exercises. The University’s eLearning Portal offers remote access to all lecture and seminar materials to reinforce your learning. In addition, the university library offers support for all students through the provision of electronic resources and a detailed reading list for the module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 – Demonstrate an understanding of sustainability in relation to technology and society
MLO2 - Demonstrate an understanding of the societal responsibility of computing professionals
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3 – Find and use evidence to assess, and justify your standpoint on relevant topics
MLO4 - Discuss technological developments in computing and exhibit an understanding of their professional, ethical, legal, and societal implications
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO5 - Be able to identify where computing professionals can potentially be of benefit in the responsible development of technology
How will I be assessed?
There will be two summative assessments in this module.
The first summative assessment is a Group Project and will be a submitted selection of tasks/artefacts exploring attitudes towards technology, societal effects, legal positions, and ethical development practices. It is worth 50% of your mark for this module. A Peer Assessment mechanism is employed to ensure a fair distribution of marks based upon students’ individual contributions to the project.
This assessment addresses Module Learning Outcomes: ML01, ML03, ML04.
The second summative assessment will be an individual research poster focusing on one issue/artefact produced in the group assessment in more detail. This will include relevant harms/impacts arising from a given technology, social attitudes, opportunities afforded and the impact on different stakeholders, and where CS professionals may be on benefit in mitigation of issues.
It is worth 50% of your mark for this module.
This assessment addresses Module Learning Outcomes: ML01, ML02, ML03, ML04, and ML05.
You will receive critical constructive feedback on your assessments.
During workshops there will be formative workshop exercises and class discussions for which you will also receive formative feedback.
This Level 4 Module addresses the following PLOs as listed in the relevant programme specifications:
ALL programmes:
KU1, KU3
IPSA3
PVA1, PVA2, PVA3, PVA4.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module will open your eyes to a range of the harms, opportunities and effects that the seemingly innocent development of technology has, and continues to have, on people’s lives and livelihoods. Indicative topics include: power, social movements, techno-solutionism, and the role of technology in enabling citizens to challenge power and resist authority; and approaches for the responsible and sustainable design of technology. Research-driven lectures are followed by practical workshops where you will engage in exercises to critically assess both research, particular technologies, and societal attitudes towards technology. You will apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills in research-driven assessments where you identify the main harm(s), stakeholders, and key debates in the development of technology, and what role computing professionals can play in mitigating potential negative impacts.
Course info
UCAS Code G411
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Computer and Information Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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