MIS20060 Money in the Digital Society

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module is focused on cryptocurrencies and the emerging forms of decentralized economic and commercial organization that have built up around them. We first focus our attention on Bitcoin, the most famous (and infamous) digital currency and the reasons for its rise, as well as the unique challenges it has faced along the way. We then turn to alternative cryptocurrencies and place an emphasis on Bitcoin’s major competitors. Ethereum broadens the meaning of what constitutes a cryptocurrency to include self-reinforcing business logic through smart contracts. Exotic-sounding Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) projects seek to upend the old economic order. We also look at the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies, known as blockchain, and how companies have sought to monetize it. Finally, we conclude with Facebook’s Libra/Diem currency and what it tells us about the prospects of cryptocurrencies going forward.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
(1) Critically assess and analyse the merits of cryptocurrencies and related technologies such as blockchain.
(2) Demonstrate an understanding of how disruptive technologies, such as Bitcoin and blockchain technology, emerge and then later mature in response to a variety of organisational pressures.
(3) Provide strategic and informed recommendations about the prospects of disruptive technologies in a contemporary context.

Indicative Module Content:

Since the area is constantly evolving the content changes a bit each year.
However, the most consistent topics are Bitcoin (all areas), alternative cryptocurrencies (general introduction), Ethereum, blockchain, and Libra/Diem.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

86
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module follows a traditional lecture format for the majority of lectures. There are two video demonstration lectures, where I will show how to practically engage with cryptocurrencies and the ecosystem surrounding them.

Over the course of the module students develop skills in researching and writing. This makes it a qualitative, rather than a quantitative or technical class.

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Short Report. Week 5 n/a Graded No

40
Essay: Final Essay. Week 12 n/a Graded No

60

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback delivered with release of grades.