Foundations of Web Science: Introductory Lecture

An introduction to the "Foundations of Web Science" module that overviews the module itself, plus the context of web science at Southampton in terms of WSRI and the new Doctoral Training Centre.

The Sociology of the Web

A sociologist's description of the Web as a socially constructed/discovered/encountered piece of technology.

Who Invented the Web?

It is received wisdom that Tim Berners-Lee invented the Web; but there is a lot more technology and historical context that plays a part.

Methods and Methodology: an introduction

methodologies, methods, and… Theory Ontology Epistemology Positivism; interpretivism, constructionism, critical approaches

The Web Social

Sociology of the Internet and the Sociology of the Web

Posters for Web Science DTC Industrial Day

These posters were created by Web Science MSc and PhD students as a discussion point with representatives from the DTC Industrial Advisory Group.

Policy Skills for Web Scientists

Practical group based work on reading and interrogating evidence and writing policy briefings/critiques

COMP6037 Seminar 23 10 13: Science, knowledge and technology

Set readings 1. Sismondo S. (2009). The Kuhnian revolution. In An introduction to science and technology studies. p12-22 2. Ben-David J, Sullivan T. (1975) Sociology of science. Annual Review of Sociology p203-21 3. Clarke A, Star SL. (2008) The social worlds framework: a theory/methods package. In Hackett EJ et al. The handbook of science and technology studies. Cambridge MA: MIT Press p113-137 Bonus paper (read if you have time) 4. Mitroff I. (1974). Norms and Counternorms in a Select Group of Apollo Moon Scientists. American Sociological Review 39:79-95 • Aim to ensure that you understand the core arguments of each paper • Look up/note any new terminology (and questions you want to ask) • Think about your critical appraisal of the paper (what are the merits/demerits of the argument, evidence etc) In the seminar we will spend about 5 minutes talking about each paper, and then - building on the two lectures - discuss how these ideas might be used to think about the Web and Web Science. At the end there will be some time for questions and a chance to note your key learning points.