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):
- Examine the main areas, theories, and principles of information architecture.
- Examine application to an LIS education environment.
- Explore the details of implementation, including classification schemes, navigation, and searching mechanisms.
ACTIVITIES:
- 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.
- Examine how other schools and universities have structured their information architecture classes and programs and the relationships those programs have with other disciplines.
- Discuss and implement information architecture principles and methods.
PRODUCT:
- Short papers summarizing the readings and discussions.
- Collaboration on possible proposals for Information Architecture courses here at UH.
- 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.