Task:
This assignment can be thought of as a mini-dissertation. It will consist of three sections (not including the bibliography), and follow the structure outlined below.
Deadline: Midday 13th December 2021. You will submit your assignment before the deadline via BART. I highly recommend you start working straight away by keeping notes.
In weeks 6-9 you will have the opportunity to discuss your progress on your assignment with your tutors.
Bitcoin, Money and Trust Assignment
Essay 1: Where does Bitcoin fit in the Broad History of Money? (approx. 1,250 words) You will write a historical narrative that explains how money emerged, and what similarities and differences there are between past and existing forms of money on the one hand, and Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and other blockchain applications on the other. You will be given credit for demonstrating knowledge of the history of money and Bitcoin, how they are connected, and how they differ.
Essay 2: Choose your own essay (approx. 1,250 words)
As long as your essay explores ‘blockchain’ technology in some way, you may choose any title you like. As in previous years we give the same title as the group assignment, as a starting point, and we will help you explore this in your 2nd tutorial in week 3.
Choose a particular current development in the world of cryptocurrency and/or blockchain technology, and explain what strategic opportunities and threats there are for people, businesses, and/or governments in the future. (you must choose an appropriate title)
You may explore the same topic as your group assignment, on the basis that standard plagiarism checks are conducted through submission of the assignment on turn-it-in, where you also self-certify that your assignment is all your own work. There is scope for including things you learnt from the group presentation in your assignment, or you are free to explore whatever you want.
You should choose your essay keeping in mind what you are personally interested in, and where your strengths lie. If you would like to write a more technical essay, this will be marked differently, and should be chosen in consultation with the lecturer, who will obtain judgement and advice from known experts. There may be topics that emerge from guest lectures that inspire you as well, so keep that in mind. As long as your essay fits within the area of bitcoin/blockchain/dlt technology, and you check with your tutors that your essay makes sense, a very wide range of titles is possible here.
Appendix: Group Work Learning Log (approx. 500 words)
Here you should provide concise notes on your contribution to the group presentation, including how it helped you develop. You will be given credit for giving a self-critical appraisal of your progress, and the outcome of the presentation.
Bibliography
Following the ‘Referencing, Citing, and avoiding Plagiarism’ guide on ele, you should list your references here. All types of sources are potentially relevant, but credit will be given for including at least some academic references. The total word count does not include this section.
