B: This is just one example structure but you are FREE TO USE YOUR OWN. Introduction: (10%) Refer to the statement your essay is designed to explore "Contemporary (modern) computing can be seen as an assemblage" - tell us how you plan on doing that. Main body: (80%) Introduce your theory - what is Actor Network Theory (A.N.T), define key terms and give 2-3 reasons why it is suitable for studying computing. Story 1 - identify your actants, and categorise their scale, i.e. digital, software, hardware, human, cultural, structural Story 1 - describe how some of these actants are acting on each other (the push/pull of actants) Story 1 - how can the computer system described in the story be seen to enhance management (of self, of a business etc.)? Story 2 - identify your actants, and categorise their scale, i.e. digital, software, hardware, human, cultural, structural Story 2 - describe how some of these actants are acting on each other (the push/pull of actants) Story 2 - how can the computer system described in the story be seen to enhance management (of self, of a business etc.)? Outline the issues raised by how these actants are acting, e.g. is Big Data being generated? If so, what does Morozov say are the issues? Are human behaviours being adjusted - if so, what does Nicholas Carr say about that, e.g. effect of Internet on our ability to deeply think? Do the stories describe an innovative combination of technology plus free time? If so, what does Clay Shirky say about that in his theory of "cognitive surplus"? Each week we will look at yet another author, and what they consider the "big issues" of computing - use these as much as possible to create debate and counter-debate. Conclusion: (10%) Refer back to the statement your essay is designed to explore "Contemporary (modern) computing can be seen as an assemblage". How can we identify if an "assemblage" is taking place? Did you see that happening in your stories? Was A.N.T. an appropriate theory to use for your analysis? Did you meet the challenge you set yourself in your introduction? References: Harvard referenced list of all sources cited in your essay (including the stories you used, and where you obtained quotes and ideas from other authors) "Contemporary computing can be seen as an assemblage." Discuss. To achieve this: Select TWO computing stories from the Live News exercise you fulfil in each week's tutorial. Using Actor Network Theory as your primary tool for analysis, at a minimum: • Describe the scales on which the actants in your stories "act" in the assemblage • Discuss how these actions can enhance management functions • Outline what issues/questions these actions raise. To achieve this, compare and contrast the viewpoints of a range of theorists and critics explored throughout the module. • Conclude by summarising how your answers relate to the statement "Contemporary computing can be seen as an assemblage."