Information Studies Syllabus

Syllabus
Information Studies
(INFO 1371)

Course Description
A study of the fundamentals of information -- storage, retrieval, evaluation, criticism, meta-analysis, synthesis, documentation, and communication -- from theoretically and technologically diverse perspectives. Topics will include how to do research, MLA and APA styles of documentation, copyright laws, using the PC for acquiring information and solving problems, critical thinking about information, a survey of the types of information resources available, and the general principles of information organization, storage, and retrieval. The course will include the preparation of students for a rapidly changing environment and student adaptation to new information formats and technologies as they become available.

Textbooks
There is no required textbook in this course. All readings, and the majority of other materials will be available on the Web and in libraries.

Student Objectives

Practical

Having an overview of library systems,
Knowing about networked information systems,
Understanding traditional scholarly resources.

Cognitive

Recognizing when information is needed, knowing that relevant information sources and tools exist, and being able to locate and use them.
Being able to recognize propaganda, distortion, and other misuses and abuses of information.

Being familiar with evolving delivery systems,
Knowing the concepts underlying the research process,
Having gained an understanding of the importance of the Internet as a research tool and the changing nature of information resources,
Knowing how to utilize electronic databases, the World Wide Web, and print resources,
Being able to apply principles learned in this course to research assignments in other courses,
Thinking critically when formulating research queries and evaluating information resources.

Knowing the copyright laws and how to use and document information correctly and ethically.
Being able to use both new and old technologies and techniques to access, evaluate, and organize information.
Knowing the best ways to "keep up" with a field, as well as staying current with emerging information technologies.
Understanding the importance of considering the adequacy of the entire literature on a topic, after locating, evaluating, and synthesizing it.
Appreciating the ideals of liberal education and the library's function in society as preserver of the record of civilization and values.

Assessment & Grades

Weekly exercises, assignments	30%
Weekly quizzes	20%
Semester Research Paper-outline & first draft	10%
Semester Research Paper-second draft	10%
Semester Research Paper-final draft	20%
Final comprehensive exam	10%
Final Grade	100%

Course Topic Outline

Information

What is it and why study it?
Metanoia: The Secrets of Super-Learning.
Effective and critical Reading for learning.
The history and importance of libraries.
Evaluating information sources and Web sites.
Problem solving and decision making.
Critical thinking.
Copyright laws.
Ethical considerations.
The future of information access and information technology.

Research

Survey of Library information resources.
Survey of other information resources.
Search strategies.
Using the Web to find information.
Using a computer to manage information (PIM).

Applications

Using the Computer to solve problems.
Using the Web to solve problems.
Critical thinking applied to the news, your life, research needs.
Doing a research paper.
Using MLA and APA to write papers and document sources.
Keeping up with your field, the world, technology.
Information access in the different academic disciplines.

NB: For detailed outline of course, and links to pages, see Course Organization (a detailed outline of the topics), Course Schedule (what happens when in the semester), and Semester Plan (what units will be presented in what weeks during the semester).

Last updated Aug. 28, 2001

Please send comments to: Colby Glass, MLIS

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