Courses in Information Studies

I IST 250/250U Social and Community Informatics (3)
This course examines information technology from a social and community informatics perspective. Through appropriate readings in the field of information science, as well as in-class discussions, a field study observation, and community service project, students explore emerging technologies that have implications on individual identity, society, and policy development. Only one version of I IST 250 may be taken for credit. May not be offered in 2018-2019.

I IST 402 History of Recorded Information (3)
An introduction to the history of how human beings have created, maintained, and preserved information for personal, official, and cultural purposes. Topics include the development of writing, record keeping, and libraries; the emergence of printing and the history of the book; the evolution of record keeping by organizations, government, and individuals; and the impact of different technologies on the development of print and digital culture.

I IST 433 Information Storage and Retrieval (3)
An introduction to current practices in information retrieval. Topics covered include key concepts in information storage and retrieval, the document and query structure, matching mechanisms and formal retrieval models, output presentation, and the evaluation of system effectiveness. Includes an investigation of the inner workings of retrieval systems and search engines.

I IST 457 Introduction to Legal Research (3)
Examination and analysis of the basic and specialized information sources that provide a structure for legal research. Topics include court reports, digests, annotations, constitutions, Shepard’s citations, loose-leaf reporters, legal encyclopedias and periodicals. Assignments in WESTLAW and LEXIS-NEXIS online databases will provide hands-on familiarity with computer-assisted legal research (CALR). May not be offered in 2018-2019.

I IST 469/469Z Independent Study (1-3)
Student-initiated research project under faculty guidance. May be repeated for credit up to total of six credits with permission of department. Prerequisite(s): written approval of the independent study proposal by a supervising faculty member and the department chair is required prior to registration. S/U graded.

I IST 473Z The History of Children's Literature (3)
Selected literature for children in English from the beginnings to the early 20th century. Texts are selected to represent different historical periods and diversity of authorial perspectives; the key considerations are the quality of the literature and its historical significance. Attention is given to changing attitudes toward children as reflected in the books provided for them. Writing assignments will range from historical/critical analyses to reader-response essays. May not be offered in 2018-2019.