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COM302 Critical Essay Instructions and Tips

The document outlines the requirements for a critical essay in the COM302 Web Analytics course, focusing on the implications of web analytics and data. Students must choose one of three prompts related to surveillance, emerging technologies, or government strategies against fake news, and conduct a 2500-word analysis including a case study. The essay must be well-structured, formally written, and adhere to specific formatting and referencing guidelines.

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26 views3 pages

COM302 Critical Essay Instructions and Tips

The document outlines the requirements for a critical essay in the COM302 Web Analytics course, focusing on the implications of web analytics and data. Students must choose one of three prompts related to surveillance, emerging technologies, or government strategies against fake news, and conduct a 2500-word analysis including a case study. The essay must be well-structured, formally written, and adhere to specific formatting and referencing guidelines.

Uploaded by

felixliang94
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COM302 Web Analytics

Critical Essay: tips and instructions

Introduction
The purpose of this task is to help you become aware of the broader implications
associated with web analytics and data. This assignment links to the following
learning outcomes:
• Identify and explain privacy, surveillance, and ethical concerns related to the
collection and use of web data;
• Analyse and report on the broader social context in which web analytics
and data are used;
• Apply high-level critical and creative thinking skills to complex online
communication scenarios.

Instructions
From the Unit Outline:

For this critical essay you will need to choose ONE of the following essay
statements or questions for your assessment.

The Panopticon, a conceptual prison design where prisoners are aware of


potential surveillance but cannot determine the exact timing, is considered to
be the ultimate tool for social control. It operates by compelling individuals
to modify their behaviors in accordance with societal norms due to the
constant threat of being watched at all times (Foucault, 1977). Evaluate the
ethical considerations of the Panopticon model when applied to
contemporary online surveillance by governments. How does this concept
challenge notions of privacy in the digital age?

OR

Emerging technologies in the modern technological period, such as machine


learning, and artificial intelligence, show a lot of promise. Before enterprises
can use these advances in technology in a production setting, ethical issues
pertaining to data security and privacy must be addressed. How do emerging
technologies like AI and machine learning impact the data privacy landscape
concerning Big Data?

OR

Governments and parliaments around the world have increasingly been


focused on the issue of fake news, with some identifying it as a major threat
to democratic and social institutions. Discuss ONE government's strategies in
combating fake news and their effectiveness in preserving democratic
principles.

Your task is to research and construct a 2500-word critical analysis of your chosen

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COM302 Web Analytics

focus and include a case study by drawing on the concepts and theories we have or
will be covering in the unit.

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COM302 Web Analytics

Structure, Writing, and Referencing


A good essay will be well structured with a clear introduction, body, and
conclusion. This may require multiple drafts, so plan and start early. “Stream of
consciousness” pieces (where you attempt to write your essay from start to finish
in one sitting) should be avoided. These tend to be weak in structure and
frequently wander off topic.

This is a formal academic essay, so pay close attention to your use of language,
spelling, and grammar. While the use of personal pronouns is not expressly
forbidden, they should be avoided as far as possible.

For assistance in developing and structuring your essay, please use the resources:
https://www.murdoch.edu.au/library/support/support-for-students/develop-your-
study-skills
https://www.murdoch.edu.au/library/support/referencing-guides

A number of useful exercises and resources have also been made available for you in
the “Academic Skills Resources” section on MML.

Your in-text citations and Reference List should be in Chicago or APA style. Please
check the conventions of each referencing style as they are different.

Format
Please ensure that you have:
• Included a title page with your name, ID number, unit code, and
assignment title,
• Numbered each page of your assignment,
• Included your name and ID number on each page as a header/footer,
• Used a standard size 12 font,
• Double spaced your work,
• Formatted your assignment in a consistent and professional manner,
• Included a Reference List on a separate page.

Criteria
You will be assessed on:
• Argument: your argument is clearly presented and well-supported. Key
terms are defined and explained.
• Structure: effective essay structure with a clear introduction, conclusion, and
internal arrangement of paragraphs.
• Sources: demonstrates engagement with unit material as well as capacity for
own independent research. Effective use of both academic/scholarly sources
as well as credible news/general articles.
• Referencing: adheres to recommended referencing style. Diligent in-text
referencing (including page numbers).

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