Catalog course description: Foundations of inquiry in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and review of theories and methods of inquiry in Information Studies in particular. Prerequisite: Admission to the doctoral program; consent of the graduate advisor.
Extended description: This is a first semester course required of all doctoral students at the School of Information. It is taught in a seminar format with a relatively small number of students. Readings and discussions are the foundation of the course, with the primary objectives of enabling students to:
- Gain an understanding of the broad range of established and emerging areas of research in information studies
- Understand the role of models, theories, and frameworks in scholarly research and in information studies in particular
- Understand the role and importance of well-defined research problems and objectives
- Develop skill in writing substantial literature reviews that summarize and synthesize published research in information studies
- Develop practical skills in investigating a new topic in information studies, managing the information resources acquired in that investigation, and communicating findings both orally and in writing.
Course Sections Taught
- Fall, 2010 Syllabus and website
- Fall, 2009 Syllabus and website