Web Science: Mapping the Curriculum

Web Science1 is an emerging subject, which was formally defined in 2006. Since the inception of Web Science, a number of Web Science taught programs have emerged across the world. Despite the increasing popularity of Web Science, there are still currently very few attempts to provide a formal curriculum definition for Web Science. This paper outlines plans and some initial results of a study which seeks to explore the scope of Web Science in a bottom-up fashion, by examining what is taught as part of Web Science MSc and Undergraduate programs worldwide. This paper presents some early results of the analysis, including the most frequently occurring 'key topics' found from an evaluation of Web Science taught modules. Plans for future work are then outlined; the ultimate aim of the study being to present a view of Web Science as it is taught across the world. A proposed outcome will include a taxonomy of key topics for Web Science, potentially hosted in a wiki, or similar format, which will facilitate both access and contributions from the wider worldwide Web Science community.