Research essay

Value: 50%

Length: 2000 words

The research essay is the major piece of work for the semester. It is intended to demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of the important aspects of one of the cybercrimes covered in the unit. Students are required to select a research question (listed below), conduct independent research and write a 2000 word analytical essay.

Essay questions:

1. Virtual crimes

Virtual rape is harmless as no physical contact takes place. Do you agree?

2.Cyber-vigilantism

Anger and the desire for justice are understandable in the face of an unpunished wrong. Is cyber-vigilantism ever justified?

3.Mass surveillance and invasion of privacy

Edward Snowden has been called a hero, a whistle-blower, a dissident, a traitor and a patriot. Was he justified in his actions? Is it ever justifiable for a country to conduct this level of mass surveillance on its citizens?

4.Cyber-piracy

Cyber-piracy is a harmless activity and it should not be considered a criminal offence. Do you agree?

select a research question, conduct independent research and write a 2000 word analytical essay.