Courses in Information Studies

I IST 100X (= I INF 100X) Internet and Information Access (3)
Introduction to the Internet and World Wide Web. Information literacy in technology and online information resources. Using, finding, evaluating, and producing information on the Internet. Only one version of I IST 100X may be taken for credit.

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.

I IST 301X (= I INF 301X) The Information Environment (3)
Introduction to information science. Definitions and properties of information, production, transfer, classification, formatting, evaluation, and use. Role of information organizations including the print and electronic publishing, traditional and digital libraries and archives. Only one vesion of I IST 301X may be taken for credit.

I IST 361 Web Development (3)
Design and development of producing information for the World Wide Web. Lectures include the basic program languages for web development and web-authoring software. Design, planning, security, administration and management of websites will also be examined.

I IST 395 Internet Practicum (3-6)
The course provides students the opportunity to work as a teaching aide and lab assistant in information science. Students will hold weekly lab assistant hours, monitor and respond to student questions on the class listserv, and provide feedback to the course instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a total of 6 credits with permission of department. Prerequisite(s): a grade of B or higher in I IST 100X and permission of instructor. S/U graded.

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 423 (= I INF 423) Networking Essentials (3)
Covers the fundamentals of computer networking concepts and implementation and the client and server operating systems that run on networked PCs. Special emphasis is placed on network protocols and how they operate at all layers of the networking model. Emphasis also is placed on the interoperability of networks that run on multiple protocols, platforms, and operating systems. Only one version of I IST 423 may be taken for credit.

I IST 424 (= I INF 424) Hardware and Operating Systems Essentials (3)
Covers the fundamentals of personal computer internal system components, storage systems, and peripheral devices, including problems associated with them and the procedures for servicing them. Only one version of I IST 424 may be taken for credit.

I IST 433 Information Storage and Retrieval (3)
Methods of analyzing, storing, retrieving information and their relationship to perceived costs and benefits in information service.

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 2010-2011.

I IST 468 (= I INF 468) Internship (3)
The internship has two components. (1) work experience in position related to student's interests in computing and information. Interns are expected to spend eight  hours per week during the semester at their internship location. (2) Academic seminar where students and faculty mentor meet together monthly to discuss their experiences and general career preparation topics. Assignments may include preparing a resume and cover letter, career development, assessing skills for and barriers to career development, and planning for graduate or professional school.

Students are expected to research, identify and find their own possible internship opportunities. This activity will help student to identify their own career goals and manner in which they may best be achieved, and it will also help students to learn career preparation skills that will be useful after graduation. All internship opportunities must be reviewed and approved by appropriate faculty prior to course registration. Can be repeated for up to 6 credits. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing and a minimum GPA of 2.5. S/U graded.

Students are expected to research, identify and find their own possible internship opportunities. This activity will help student to identify their own career goals and manner in which they may best be achieved, and it will also help students to learn career preparation skills that will be useful after graduation. All internship opportunities must be reviewed and approved by appropriate faculty prior to course registration. Can be repeated for up to 6 credits. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing. Minimum GPA of 2.50. S/U graded.

I IST 469/469Z Independent Study (1-3)
Student-initiated research project under faculty guidance. May be repeated for credit up to a total of 6 credits with permission of department. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. 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 2010-2011.

I IST 499W Senior Seminar in Information Science (3)
Development of professional skills in information science. This course includes development of student presentation skills including interviewing, web development, resume, and oral presentation skills. Prerequisite(s): Information Science major.