103-101 Computer Applications in Social Sciences and the Humanities

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Normally, completion of any two subjects from budget departments of the Faculty of Arts. Students from other faculties should seek approval from the Arts Faculty Office.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The aim of the subject is to provide students with the opportunity to develop practical skills in the use of personal computers, and to introduce students to concepts and issues relating to contemporary computer use. To provide students with a basic understanding of personal computers and to develop a reasonable level of competence with specific standard computer applications. The subject has six goals: to achieve an understanding of personal computers (i.e. how they work, their strengths and weaknesses, and their uses); to provide a basis on which informed decision can be made concerning the suitability of personal computers for particular projects and the types of software that should be used; to develop skills in the use of standard types of software including a word processor, a spreadsheet, a database management system, and contemporary operating systems; to acquire skills in problem solving through the use of specific types of software to solve realistic problems; to enhance newly acquired skills through exposure to some of the more powerful features of the subject software, other types of applications, or to different types of personal computer system; to demonstrate an awareness of controversies and issues related to computing and computer use in contemporary society.

Assessment

Weekly computer assignments for thirteen weeks, critical writing develop on a lecture theme, not exceeding 2000 words.