INLS 500, Human Info Interactions, UNC-CH, Fall 2006, Syllabus

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Information and Library Science

INLS 500, Human Information Interactions, Fall 2006

Syllabus

On this page: Course description / Readings and assignments / Honor Code and other course policies

	Instructors: Gary Marchionini, Barbara Wildemuth	Email: march, wildem, ils.unc.edu
	Offices: Manning Hall, Gary 203, Barbara 210	Phone: Gary 966-3611, Barbara 962-8072
	Class meetings: Tuesday & Thursday, 11:00-12:15; 208 Manning Hall

Course description

This course is intended to introduce the class members to current theory and empirical data on the behavioral and cognitive activities of those who interact with information, with emphasis on the role of information mediators. A major portion of the course will focus on how information needs are recognized and resolved, and the use and dissemination of information.

Relationship to other courses at SILS

Because this course's content undergirds so many of the studies in the field of information and library science, it is a prerequisite for the required research methods course (INLS 780). Ideas encountered in this course often lead to questions addressed in students' master's papers.

Readings and Assignments

There is no textbook required for this course. The assigned readings are listed on the schedule, and are available online or on reserve in the SILS Library.

The course grade will be based on several assignments, a term project, and class participation (10%).

Citation Patterns (10%): Each class member will analyze citations to and from an article, and discuss their findings. Due September 19.
Asking Questions (10%): Each class members will develop and analyze a set of sample questions. Due September 28.
Observing an Information Interation (20%): Class members will work in pairs, observing each other interacting with an information system and reporting and discussing their observations. Due October 31.
Term Project (40%): Class members will work individually or in teams to conduct a study, create an original non-print artifact, or synthesize the literature on a particular topic. The results will be presented orally on November 30 or December 5, and the final product is due on December 12.
Class Participation (20%): Each class member is expected to contribute to class discussions, both during the class period and via the class listserv and blog. Each person is expected to post 3 questions related to one reading of your choice for each class day that has assigned reading, and/or respond in a substantive way to a classmate's posting.

Library and lab resources

You will be using SILS library and lab resources during the course of the semester. Please remember that many of your fellow students also need to use the same material. Follow the proper checkout procedures and return materials promptly to be a good SILS citizen.

The Honor Code

The UNC Honor Code, which prohibits giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the completion of assignments, is in effect in this class. The Instrument of Student Judicial Governance gives examples of actions that constitute academic dishonesty.

There are some specific guidelines for this class.

You are encouraged to discuss issues raised in class or by the readings with each other. You may also ask your classmates for clarification on class notes.
Individual assignments are to be done individually. You may consult the course readings, your notes, and even other print or web sources. You may not consult your classmates or other people; all questions should be addressed to one of the instructors.
If your term project is being done as a team, the team takes responsibility for the final product. Work on the project should be distributed equitably among team members. We expect team members to discuss, consult, and even debate with each other about the project throughout the term.

Other course policies

All cell phones and beepers should be turned off during class.
If there is something you don't understand, ask a question! If you don't want to ask during class, come to see one of the instructors.
Reading assignments should be done before class so that you can ask questions and participate in discussions. Be sure to post your questions about readings to the blog at least one day in advance of the class in which they will be discussed.
Homework assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the class in which they are due.

Schedule / Assignments / Class Roster

This page was last modified on August 24, 2006, by Gary Marchionini or Barbara M. Wildemuth.

Address all comments and questions to Gary Marchionini at march, ils.unc.edu, or to Barbara M. Wildemuth at wildem, ils.unc.edu.