History of Computing

Module overview

Our modern world has been profoundly shaped by the availability of cheap and reliable computers, but the ubiquity of this technology has led many to overlook the rich history of its development.

In this module, we will study the evolution of technologies for calculation, computation and information processing from early mechanical devices through to the present day. In addition to the technological aspects, we will also consider the commercial, political and social factors that have shaped the development and adoption of computers.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Define and develop a research topic on the history of computing

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences in both written and oral form
Lead group discussions effectively
Locate and analyse appropriate sources of information in order to develop and support a small research project

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

The impact of computing on society
The commercial, political and social contexts that have shaped the development of the computer
Major technological developments in computing and information technology

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The content of this module is delivered through lectures, the module website, directed reading and pre-recorded materials.

Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study and preparation for timetabled activities, along with formative assessments in the form of coursework assignments.

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	24
Follow-up work	12
Seminar	10
Preparation for scheduled sessions	10
Completion of assessment task	94
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Thomas Haigh and Paul E. Ceruzzi (2021). A New History of Modern Computing. MIT Press.

Martin Campbell-Kelly, William F. Asprey, Jeffrey R. Yost and Honghong Tinn (2023). Computer: A History of the Information Machine. Routledge.

Mar Hicks (2017). Programmed Inequality. MIT Press.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Research project	80%
Seminar presentation	20%