Syllabus

A Directed Reading Course, by Zach Tomaszewski

for LIS 699-2, Fall 2001, supervised by Dr. Luz Quiroga


TITLE: Information Architecture

PURPOSE:   Information architecture combines library science organization with computer science technology. It is a very young, yet quickly growing, multi-disciplinary field that is particularly important in the World Wide Web. Currently, there are no classes being taught on this subject; this 699 aims to fill that void.

OBJECTIVE(S):

  1. Examine the main areas, theories, and principles of information architecture.
  2. Examine application to an LIS education environment.
  3. Explore the details of implementation, including classification schemes, navigation, and searching mechanisms.

ACTIVITIES:

  1. Explore a wide range of articles and writings on the nature of information architecture, reading authors from library science, computer science, psychology, and other backgrounds. With a focus on WWW application, examine the nature of classification, aspects of usable navigations, and the processes involved in searching and browsing an information space.
  2. Examine how other schools and universities have structured their information architecture classes and programs and the relationships those programs have with other disciplines.
  3. Discuss and implement information architecture principles and methods.

PRODUCT:

  1. Short papers summarizing the readings and discussions.
  2. Collaboration on possible proposals for Information Architecture courses here at UH.
  3. Possibly an implementation incorporating some of the principles learned.

EVALUATION METHOD:   Grading will be based on the quality of the papers and the student's preparedness for discussions.