Cheryl Knott Malone, Ph.D.
Phone: 520-621-3957
Office Hours: In the chatroom by appointment or via email

Introduction to information as it is used and defined by society. Geography of information, economics of information, and intellectual property concerns.

Requires students to encounter and interrogate influential theories regarding information broadly construed. The underlying social constructivist framework of the course suggests that "information" is a created category with assigned and contingent meanings rather than an objective or natural phenomenon.

By the end of the semester, students will be able to

• demonstrate adeptness at asynchronous discussion of complex ideas through the regular posting of succinct insights into the readings and into other students’ posts;
• discuss and evaluate different theories of the information society and their implications for information professionals;
• analyze reading material (including other students’ work) critically and perceptively.

Learning methods include reading, writing, asynchronous discussions guided by the instructor, assessments by the instructor, and peer evaluation. Research has shown that people learn best when they take an active rather than a passive role. Consequently, I will act as guide and facilitator. I expect students to seek knowledge, test ideas, question assumptions, polish your writing, and activate your intellectual interests.

The following are required:

Webster, Frank. Theories of the Information Society. Routledge, 1995.

Molz, Kathleen Redmond, and Dain, Phyllis. Civic Space/Cyberspace. MIT Press, 2001.

Star, Susan Leigh, and Bowker, Geoffrey C. Sorting Things Out. MIT Press, 2000.

All of the assigned texts should be read in their entirety. Additional required readings indicated on the class schedule will be linked to the course site.