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Information Sciences And Technology (IST)

IST 501 Integrative Theories and Methods of the Information Sciences and Technology (3) An integrative treatment of research and theories on how technologies are used to meet information needs at multiple levels of analysis.

IST 501 Integrative Theories and Methods of the Information Sciences and Technology (3)

This course provides an overview to the integrative aspects of the fields, which comprise the information sciences. The course has three broad objectives. First, the course serves as an overview to the theories, models, findings, research methods and research-related issues that frame the multiple fields of the information sciences. Second, the course provides students a set of integrative techniques and models. Finally, the course provides students a means to begin formulating researchable topics and questions.

IST 501 is designed as the introductory course for research-oriented graduate students who are interested in pursuing research in the various fields that comprise the information sciences. The specific focus is a critical integrative treatment of the research relative to how people use technologies to meet their information needs.

Through reading of contemporary and classic literature, ongoing debate, reflection and synthesis, and active analyses, students will explore fundamental assumptions, theories and directions in the contemporary research in the various fields that constitute the information sciences. The emphasis of this course is on defining and developing conceptual linkages between human behavior, information and the use of computing technologies.

This integration will be explored at individual, group and other units of social analysis and across a range of information technologies. Students will prepare a number of short summary papers and an extensive synthesis of literature organized around a conceptual framework.

The expectation is that incoming students will be graduate students in good standing. In addition, the incoming students will have some scholarship in areas of users, information and information technologies, though these competencies may be filled by designated co-requisites.

This course is expected to be offered on a yearly basis and serve as the core prerequisite for other graduate level research courses at the School of Information Sciences and Technology.

General Education: None
Diversity: None
Bachelor of Arts: None
Effective: Fall 2001

Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.

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