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IS41330

Academic Year 2025/2026

Topics in HCI (IS41330)

Subject:
Information Studies
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Information & Comms Studies
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Professor Benjamin Cowan
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module aims to introduces students to a wide range of topics in theoretical and applied human computer interaction research, covering the many different contexts, technologies, domains of use and applications.

The module will combine lectures (1hr) and Q&As/discussions/interviews (1hr) with guest contributors.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the course students will be able to demonstrate:
1) Familiarity with the state of the art in human-computer interaction research
2) Understanding of key cutting edge concepts, research and topics
3) Critical reflection on key topics in HCI research.

Indicative Module Content:

Indicative content of previous modules can be found on the Human in the Machine podcast series

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/02tLoEest27CcsxRybsWvX?si=a17032380749449b
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-human-in-the-machine/id1731316638
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKvUyXDcg9Qg5hDy1GapoCXVL2V7cV9ZV&feature=shared

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Specified Learning Activities

24

Autonomous Student Learning

200

Total

248


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module uses lectures; critical writing; reflective and group learning; debates; discussion based learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Research Poster Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay Critique Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback will be given post assessment through Brightspace; Group feedback will also be given to focus on key issues across cohort in each assessment and will be delivered post assessment in class. Self-assessment and reflection will be used for group discussions.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 13:00 - 14:50