DIGITAL TOOLS, TRENDS AND DEBATES

LIS 201

Examines important social, legal, and historical contexts of information and information technologies, and explores significant social, legal, and moral questions that surround those technologies.

AFRICAN/COMARTS/LIS 444

Surveys the past 20 years of digital technology and communications culture on the African continent, cross-referenced with discourse on technology experiences in other parts of the developing world, through the framework of development studies. Readings include case studies of micro-tech practices as well as political and social use of new media, and government and NGO-led tech interventions. Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) is a key area of focus. Cross-discipline areas include communications and media studies, African, Latin American and International area studies, as well as the social anthropology of technology and science, and design. Think critically about technology use in the context of different tech cultures from around the world. Apply this perspective towards new media solutions to social problems.

LIS 340

Exploration of contemporary issues related to information in society. Subject will vary. Examples include, but not restricted to: Information Ethics, Digital and Print Culture, Global Information Flows.

LIS 341

Exploration of information technology and information management subjects. Subjects will vary. Examples include, but not restricted to: A Social History of Information Infrastructure, Digital Productivity Tools and Debates, Digital Publishing Standards and Tools, Digital Preservation.

LIS 351

Prepares students to use information technologies to solve problems and help people through implementing information infrastructures such as websites, databases and metadata. Students will explore information access, information representation, usability and information policy issues, and increase their understanding of the social impacts and social shaping of information infrastructures.