Courses in Information Studies

C 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.

C 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.

C IST 432 Information Analysis Techniques and Technologies
This course introduces several information techniques and technologies available to assist in information analysis. Each of the four or five modules will review an information technique or technology commonly used in information analysis and include exercises using provided data sets. Legal and ethical issues related to information gathering and monitoring will also be included. Prerequisite(s) C EHC 221 or 343.

C IST 433 Information Storage and Retrieval (3)
An introduction to current practices in information retrieval. Topics covered will 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.