Overview

This module assesses the role of privacy in modern media and technology. Historically mindful but future-facing, the module uses diverse theory and governance to assess emerging media technologies.

Topics may include:

Week 1: Introduction: What is privacy and why does it matter? A historical/theoretical perspective.

Week 2: Nothing to hide, nothing to fear: myth and Western roots of privacy

Week 3: Journalism: a complex relationship with privacy

Week 4: The Snowden leaks: a call for better surveillance

Week 5: Encryption: simultaneously public and private

Week 6: Platforms: disruption, connection and new social actors

Week 7: Reading Week

Week 8: Big data: machine learning and the politics of algorithms

Week 9: Re-introducing the Body: intimate and wearable media

Week 10: Empathic media: towards ubiquitous emotional intelligence

Week 11: Sexting: exposure, protocol and collective privacy

Week 12: Summary and assessment guidance

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows:1.Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.2.Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.3.Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.4.Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

-good -C- to B+Submitted work is competent throughout and may be distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It:1.Demonstrates good or very good structure and logically developed arguments.2.Draws at least in parts on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.3.Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.4.Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

-excellent -A- to A*Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways:1.Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.2.Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.3.Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Appraise legal frameworks that should guide privacy

• Appraise the philosophical complexity of privacy

• Explain and analyse technical factors that inform privacy matters

• Explain new media developments in light of specific theories on privacy