Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a solid mastery of the use of computers to carry out work and study activities. Aspects more closely related to the legal field (such as drafting a law degree thesis, retrieving criminal records or legislative references, drawing up writs and knowledge of the basic outlines of the future “computer-based trial”) will be dealt with within the framework of the programme drawn up at the European level for the attainment of the so-called ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence). This approach to course organisation will enable students to obtain knowledge that will help them to prepare, if they so desire, for the official ECDL examination at one of the accredited test centres.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The course focuses on the following topics, for which students may refer to the analytical descriptions contained in the modules of the programme drawn up for the attainment of the ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) certificate in accordance with the instructions contained in the Syllabus, version 4.0: <br />
- Basic notions of Information and Communication Technology (ICT); <br />
- Computer use and file management; <br />
- Word processing; <br />
- Computer networks, Internet and e-mail; <br />
- Main functions of spreadsheets, presentation tools, databases. <br />
In addition the course focuses on the following topics relating to Information Technology Law and Computer Law: the use of databases and Internet-based legal research; information security; legal protection of software and databases; computer crimes; computer forensics; digital documents; digital signatures and electronic registered mail. <br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
In order to prepare for the exam, students are advised to use one of the following textbooks of their choice: <br />
BACCALINI, ECDL con ATLAS. La guida McGraw-Hill alla Patente Europea del Computer, McGraw-Hill, Milano, latest edition; TIBONE, L’esame per la patente del computer con CD-ROM, Zanichelli, Bologna, latest edition; PEZZONI-PEZZONI-VACCARO, La patente europea. Guida completa, Mondadori Informatica, Segrate (MI), latest edition. <br />
In addition, for further study regarding the part relating to the topics of Information Technology Law and Computer Law: DEL SOLE-SARCINELLA, Appunti di diritto e informatica, currently being published. <br />
Teaching methods
The course is based on traditional lectures and exercises. During the course seminar-based meetings may be arranged. <br />
For attending students: during the lectures a number of topics relating to Information Technology Law and Computer Law may be explored in depth. <br />
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Intermediate tests are scheduled for attending students. <br />
The exam is theoretical and practical in nature. Students passing the exam may sit, during the same exam session or exceptionally during (but not after) the session immediately following it, the oral exam for the theory module held by Mrs Zanichelli. <br />
Students who, after passing the theoretical/practical exam, do not present themselves for the exam relating to the theory module in the same exam session (or, for justified reasons, in the session immediately following it) must enter for the exam once again and retake the tests relating to both modules. <br />
Students who, after passing the theoretical/practical exam, present themselves for the exam relating to the theory module in the same exam session (or, for justified reasons, in the session immediately following it) and who do not pass it must retake only the theory exam within the following six months, while the pass previously obtained will remain valid. Once the six months have expired, however, they must enter for the exam again and retake the tests relating to both modules. <br />
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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