Description
This module provides an introductory intellectual and epistemological framework for those utilising the Internet as a tool in order to develop their understanding about the religions of the world.  It encourages the development of appropriate research skills, for the integration and analysis of Internet derived materials into postgraduate work for religious studies (and related disciplines).  The module seeks to engender awareness of the theoretical religious studies issues associated with religion as expressed online, and religion as practised outside of cyber space.  Key themes include Exploring, Recording and Mapping Religions on the Internet: Referencing; Storing data; Copyright Considerations; Online Archives; Determining Site Ownership; Searching the web; Blogging; Censorship; Information Management and Referencing tools.  By the conclusion of this module, and the successful completion of all the units, students will have an awareness of the appropriate application of web-derived digital content in an academic context. They will have had opportunities for the development of web literacy in areas such as basic page management, blogging, and recording of data. Their experience will have provided them with an enhanced ability to research and data-mine using the Internet.