The following are sample course syllabi for Information Studies (INFOST) classes:
105: Orientation for Info Sci & Tech Students
This course provides students with an understanding of the Information Science and Technology
major, academic requirements, career development, and strategies for academic and personal success
Example syllabus: Onsite
110: Introduction to Information Science and Technology
Description: Introduces basic issues in information science, including the nature of information, information policy, knowledge organization, information services, and the relationships between information technologies and society.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online | Hybrid
120: Information Technology Ethics
Description: Comprehensive overview of the current ethical issues in information and technology use.
210: Information Resources for Research
Description: Introduction to research processes necessary for effective, college-level, library research. Emphasizes analysis of research questions, development of search strategies, and critical evaluation of materials.
230: Organization of Knowledge
Description: An interdisciplinary introduction to information and knowledge organization, including principles of conceptual systems in various disciplines and their relevance and application to knowledge organization.
240: Web Design I
Description: Uses popular authoring tools to cover the basics of organizing information.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
250: Introduction to Network and Systems Administration
Description: Introduction to the fundamental concepts of network and systems administration.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
290: Project Teams, Leadership, and Communication
Description: This class provides the opportunity for IST students to gain knowledge and experience of relevant transferable professional skills in project management, teamwork, and communication.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
291: Special Topics in Information Science and Technology
Description: New developments and research in information science & technology. Specific credits and any additional prereqs announced in Schedule of Classes whenever course is offered.
297: Study Abroad
Description: Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work levels, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
310: Human Factors in Information Seeking and Use
Description: Overview of human information needs, seeking, and processing, including human factors in the design, development and evaluation of information services.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
315: Knowledge Organization for Information Science and Technology
Description: Introduction to the organization of knowledge for information science and technology. Covers theory and construction of knowledge organization systems (taxonomies, ontologies, controlled vocabularies, metadata schema) and data structures for information sharing.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
320: Web Design II
Description: Examination and utilization of advanced technologies and practices being employed in web usability and design.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
325: Information Security I
Description: Introduction to issues and practices related to the protection of information and other digital assets.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
340: Introduction to Systems Analysis
Description: Theories, principles, and tools for planning, organizing, assessing, and evaluating information. Emphasizes the importance of user’s perspective. Covers the various stages of systems analysis and outlines the appropriate methods for each stage.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
350: Introduction to Application Development
Description: Introduction to the fundamental concepts of application development. Basic application development concepts will be explained, analyzed, and practiced.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
370: Data Analysis and Visualization for the Information Professional
Description: Introduction to data analysis and visualization using simple statistical analyses to create graphical depictions of data that can improve comprehension, communication, and decision making.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
375: Multimedia Web Design
Description: Fundamentals of interactive Web development and scripting, allowing students to create Web animations and render interactivity of information on the Web.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
383: Native Mobile Applications
Description: Fundamentals of native mobile application development including development environments, mobile OS considerations, and the potential and limitations of mobile applications.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
385: Information Security II
Description: Advanced topics and practices in information security including social, technological, educational and economic implications of information security and privacy.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
399: Independent Study
Description: Guided readings or research under faculty supervision.
408: Nonprofit Information Technology
Description: Provides experiential project-based learning opportunities to UWM students while working on a technology project for a local nonprofit organization.
Example syllabus: Onsite
410: Database Information Retrieval Systems
Description: Introduces the design and development of different types of electronic information systems, including database types, design issues, application development, and software selection and evaluation.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
440: Web Application Development
Description: The interactive web design server interaction. Special emphasis on database connectivity and application development on the Internet.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
465: Legal Aspects of Information Products and Services
Description: Introduction to legal environment surrounding development and use of information products and services, including intellectual property, and issues specific to internet and other digital mediums.
Example syllabus: Online
481: Web Application Penetration Testing
Introduction to the cyber security concept of web application penetration testing, covering the “OWASP
Top 10” web vulnerabilities using hands-on labs and activities.
Example syllabus: Onsite
490: Senior Capstone
Description: Analysis, creation, development and presentation of an information retrieval system project for an information organization.
3 credits.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
491: Advanced Topics in Information Science and Technology
Description: An exploration of current advanced topics in information science and technology.
495: Information Internship
Description: Field experience of 50-150 hours under faculty and field supervisor guidance. Student must also complete a supervised field project.
Example syllabus: Onsite
497: Study Abroad
Description: Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work levels, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
501: Foundations of Library and Information Science
Description: Historical introduction to library and information science (LIS); outline of the role of information agencies in disseminating knowledge to users; overview of research in LIS.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
511: Organization of Information
Description: Introduction to basic concepts in the theoretical, practical, and technological aspects of information organization.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
520: Managing Library Collections
Description: Theory and practice of collection management across formats including selection tools and criteria, acquisition and evaluation of collections, deselection, preservation, and other collection development topics.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
521: Introduction to Reference Services and Resources
Description: An investigation into reference services, reference interviews, and organization, including critical examination of basic reference sources.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
524: Management of Libraries and Information Services
Description: The library/information center as a service organization. Management of the library/information center: planning, budgeting, decision making, leadership styles, motivation, communication, personnel and financial management.
Example syllabus: Online
543: Student Teaching Experience in School Libraries
Description: A 6-credit full-semester student teaching experience in a school library for students who are working towards their initial licensure in K-12 school library media.
Example syllabus: Online/Onsite
547: User-Centered Interaction Design
Description: Introduction of human-computer interaction theories and design processes. Emphasis is on applied user experience (UX) design.
Example syllabus: Online
571: Information Access and Retrieval
Description: An overview of the concepts and theory related to information retrieval.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
582: Introduction to Data Science
Description: Introduces basic concepts, background, theoretical, practical and technological aspects of data science.
Example syllabus: Online
583: Survey of Information Security
Description: Introduces information security concepts, issues, and technological practices related to privacy, trust, and protection of information and digital assets.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
584: Survey of Web and Mobile Content Development
Description: Current best practices and theory for the development of content and applications across different platforms, systems, and devices emphasizing responsive design and frameworks.
603: History of Books and Printing
Description: The people, ideas, and events in the history of bookmaking from ancient times to the 1890’s.
Example syllabus: Onsite/Online
611: Cataloging for Small Libraries
Description: Survey of the application of standards and rules to the creation and management of library catalogs for small libraries.
Example syllabus: Online
619: Topics in Information Organization
Description: Study of particular topics in Information Organization. Specific topics announced in Schedule of Classes each time course is offered.
622: Information Marketing
Description: Concepts and principles of marketing and strategic planning as they apply to libraries and information agencies; case studies in information brokering and repackaging.
Example syllabus: Online
627: Music Librarianship
Description: Examination of materials used in obtaining music information and in establishing bibliographic control. Emphasis on reference, library instruction, collection management, and organization of music collections.
630: Strategies for Managing Group Learning and Assessment in Libraries
Description: Drawing on inclusive pedagogical theories, students will develop their skills in designing effective instructional experiences to manage group learning and assessment in a library setting.
Example syllabus: Online
637: Library Services for Young Children
Description: A foundation for developing, planning, and implementing library
services to meet the needs and interests of children birth to age 5.
Example syllabus: Online
638: Library Services for School-Aged Children
Description: A foundation for developing, planning, and implementing library services to meet the needs and interests of elementary school-aged children.
Example syllabus: Online
639: Library Services for Teens
Description: A foundation for developing, planning, and implementing library services to meet the needs and interests of middle and high school-aged young adults.
Example syllabus: Online
640: Information Literacy Instruction
Description: Concepts and principles involved in teaching information literacy; emphasis on organizing and developing courses and individual sessions.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
642: School Library Media Programs and Resources
Description: A study of the functions of the school library media center as an educational component including service, administration, collection development and utilization of materials.
Example syllabus: Online
643: Pre-Student Teaching Experience in School Libraries
Description: A 50-150 hour (1cr. = 50hr.) school library pre-student teaching experience for students working towards their K-12 library media license who are not already certified teachers.
Example syllabus: Onsite/Online
644: Practicum in School Libraries
Description: Field experience of 1-4 U/G credits (50-200 hours of clinical practice) to 12 undergrad credits (a full semester student teaching) in elementary and secondary school library media services under faculty and field supervisor guidance.
Example syllabus: Onsite/Online
645: Library Materials for Children
Description: Introduction to print and media resources available in library collections; selection procedures, evaluation criteria, access and promotion of use of materials.
Example Syllabus: Online
646: Library Materials for Young Adults
Description: Criteria for evaluation and selection of materials for young adults, emphasizing current resources, techniques of reading guidance and book talks.
Example syllabus: Online
650: An Introduction to Modern Archives Administration
Description: An introduction to the archives profession, archives administration, main uses of primary sources in academic research, and archival issues regarding the Internet and other technologies.
Example syllabus: Online
655: Information and Records Management
Description: Principles and practices of information and records management: organizational information needs, retention, schedules, vital records protection, micrographics, records centers and records management policy.
656: Electronic Documents and Records Management
Description: Advanced concepts, unique challenges, and on-going issues of electronic records management, including automated systems, information lifecycle management, access, legality, media stability, migration, and long-term preservation.
Example syllabus: Online
660: Information Policy
Description: Explore various aspects of information policy including privacy, intellectual property, and intellectual freedom; covers applicable methodologies.
Example syllabus: Online
661: Information Ethics
Description: Ethical traditions, concepts, and principles for the information professions in the global information society; ethical implications of information technologies.
670: Instructional Technologies
Description: Traditional technologies, multimedia formats, and computer-based technologies for instructional purposes.
Example syllabus: Online
671: Applied Web 3.0: Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain
Description: Introduction and broad survey of Web 3.0 including Artificial Intelligence AI and Blockchain.
Example syllabus: Online
674: The Search Engine Society
Description: Critical examination of the role of search engines in contemporary society, including impact on information organization and retrieval, information institutions, information policy, law, and ethics.
675: Information Technology and Organization
Description: Topical seminar, exploring the relationship between information technology (IT) culture, organizations and the organization of work, cultures, subcultures; sociology of IT work; enterprise systems; knowledge management; data mining and IT careers.
682: Digital Libraries
Description: Concepts and technologies for development of digital libraries. Topics include tools for multimedia digitization, organization of digital resources, and evaluation of digital libraries and gateways.
Example syllabus: Online
685: Electronic Publishing and Web Design
Description: An introduction to principles of visual communications related to electronic media with emphasis on website development, electronic documents, and production and dissemination of electronic information.
Example syllabus: Online
687: Data Analysis for Data Science
Description: Development and use of data science analysis skills in statistics, probability, forecasting, prediction, optimization, clustering and visualization.
Example syllabus: Online
691: Special Topics in Information Science
Description: An exploration of current topics in information science.
692: Special Topics in Information Science and Technology
Description: An exploration of current topics in information science and technology. Specific topics and any additional prerequisites will be announced in Schedule of Classes each time course is offered.
695: Ethical Hacking I
Description: Fundamental concepts in computer security testing, the evolution of ethical hacking and the latest tools used in cyber security to test different computer systems.
Example syllabus: Onsite | Online
697: Cisco Routing and Switching I
Description: Networking and security, including IP Address translation (masking), subnetting, access lists, port security, VPNs, routing protocols and passwords.
712: Resource Description for Library Catalogs
Description: Application of standards and rules to the construction of tools for information retrieval, primarily digital resources and catalogs in library and information environments.
Example syllabus: Online
714: Metadata
Description: Principles and application of metadata for networked information resource organization, representation, retrieval, and interoperability using a variety of schemes; focus on cultural heritage digital repositories.
716: Thesaurus Construction
Description: Overview of thesaurus construction, vocabulary control and ontology. Design and construction of thesauri, including domain analysis, vocabulary extraction, concept clustering, ordering, structural relations, thesaurus maintenance.
717: Information Architecture
Description: Introduction to information architecture and user experience design, focusing on designing user-centered organization, labeling, navigation, search, metadata, and knowledge organization systems for websites.
719: Advanced Topics in Information Organization
Description: Advanced study of a particular topic in Information Organization.
722: Entrepreneurship and Innovation for LIS Professionals
Description: Introduces entrepreneurial concepts and practices in the library and information science professions, examines alternative career options, and provides an opportunity to apply entrepreneurial methods and processes.
734: Library Services and Resources for Adults
Description: Introduction to the wide range of services and materials with which the library meets the needs of adult patrons.
735: The Academic Library
Description: Administration of the college and university library, including a study of budgets, personnel, building and collections requirements, and cooperative programs.
736: The Public Library
Description: Overview of issues and functions of american public libraries; including trends in governance, program planning and evaluation, community analysis, alternative funding, library use and users.
738: Legal Information Sources and Services
Description: A study of legal sources of federal and Wisconsin law including the use of law finders, statutes, cases and digests.
739: Digital Information Services
Description: Examination of major issues involved in digital information services. Comparison of differences and similarities between digital and face-to-face services, evaluation of DIS and current trends.
741: Multicultural Children’s Literature
Description: Exploration of children’s literature representing racialized groups in the United States; discussion will focus on evaluating and selecting material.
750: Arrangement and Description in Archives
Description: Development of the intellectual framework and critical evaluation skills necessary for the arrangement and description of archival collections.
752: Archival Outreach: Programs and Services
Description: An introduction to archival outreach and reference services for sustaining an archival program committed to public service.
753: Preserving Information Media
Description: Examines all aspects of archival preservation of multiple media formats. Includes discussions of preservation practice, policy and programming in an archives.
758: Technology Issues in Archives
Description: This course addresses technology issues facing archivists today and its theoretical and practical implications in collection management, arrangement and description, reference, digitization, and electronic records.
759: Fieldwork in Archives and Manuscripts
Description: Field experience of 50 to 150 hours in an archives or manuscript repository under faculty and field supervisor guidance. Student must also complete a supervised field project.
761: Information Policy
Description: Graduate seminar on information privacy, undertaking a multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary examination of the relationships between information, technology, law and privacy in our digital society.
763: Topics in Information Policy
Description: An array of coursework specifically related to the social, ethical, economic, legal, and philosophical aspects of information.
774: Online Information Retrieval
Description: Study of bibliographic,non-bibliographic, full-text databases, including document delivery alternatives, evaluation and testing.
780: XML for Libraries
Description: Overview of general markup languages; concepts and components of extensible markup language, and the future of publishing and libraries.
783: Information Storage and Retrieval
Description: Fundamental analysis and design principles and theories used in systems for the storage, processing, and retrieval of information.
784: Information Security Management
Description: Investigation of key aspects of information security management such as policy, risk analysis and management, education and awareness training, legal compliance, ethical and legal conduct.
785: Database Management Systems for Information Professionals
Description: Study of microcomputer data base management software (DBMS) and information retrieval (IR) systems and their potential applications for information services.
786: Multimedia
Description: Multimedia and its applications in information systems and instructional environments. Students develop essential skills in the evaluation, creation, editing, and rendering of multimedia.
788: Information Systems: Analysis and Design
Description: Analysis, design, and evaluation of information systems. The information system mission, goals and objectives are used to develop measures for judging system effectiveness and efficiency.
790: Project Design, Implementation, and Evaluation
Description: Culminating experience for MSIST degree program comprising the design, implementation, and evaluation of a capstone project related to the MSIST degree tracks.
791: Topics in Library and Information Science
Description: Graduate level treatment of current topics in library and information science. Specific topic and any additional prerequisites announced in Schedule of Classes each time course is offered.
799: Research Methods in Information Studies
Description: Knowledge of research concepts, methods, and evaluation in library and information science, and applications of research in the information professions.
823: Seminar in International and Multicultural Information Services
Description: Implications of global and multicultural trends for information services. Creation, diffusion and use of information in cross-cultural settings.
850: Seminar in Modern Archives Administration
Description: In-depth exploration of several aspects of archival work through extensive readings, discussions, practical exercises and a major seminar paper.
855: Advanced Appraisal
Description: An overview of the history of archival appraisal and manuscript collecting, surveys recent appraisal methodologies and theories, providing practical experience in the application of appraisal theory and assessing the value of organizational records.
Example Syllabus
861: Seminar in Intellectual Freedom
Description: Principles and practices of intellectual freedom, as related to the information professions. Emphasizes, but is not limited to, current issues in the U.S.
862: Legal Issues for Library and Information Managers
Description: Legal issues arising in various library settings, including access rights, privacy and confidentiality, copyright, intellectual freedom and information liability and malpractice.
863: Feminism, Librarianship, and Information
Description: The nature of librarianship as a profession, issues related to information and technology, and practices of information services from gendered perspectives using applicable feminist theories.
864: Critical Approaches to Public Librarianship
Description: Explores advanced concepts of the public library as a political institution in the public sphere. Includes investigations of legislative foundations, funding, governance and social engagement.
888: Candidate for Degree
Description: Available for graduate students who must meet the minimum credit load requirements.
891: Advanced Topics in Library and Information Science
Description: Seminar in advanced current topics in library and information science. Specific topics and any additional prerequisites are announced in the schedule of classes each time course is offered.
898: Master’s Thesis
Description: Research and writing in consultation with SOIS thesis advisor for M.L.I.S. candidates pursuing the Thesis Option. May be repeated until completion and defense of the thesis.
899: Master’s Independent Study
Description: Advanced study under faculty guidance, on a special aspect of library and information services. Regular faculty consultation and written report(s) required.
901: Current Issues in Information Studies
Description: Current topical issues in information studies, socializes doctoral students to research culture, and analyzes current research topics in the field.
Example Syllabus
902: Theoretical Foundations in Information Studies
Description: This doctoral seminar introduces students to a range of fundamental theoretical foundations and models relevant to information studies.
903: Qualitative Research Methods
Description: Qualitative research design, data collection, data analysis tools and techniques as well as theory building in the context of information study research.
Example Syllabus
904: Quantitative Research Methods
Description: Quantitative research designs, data process and analysis, inferential statistical methods and theories, applications in information studies, and evaluation of quantitative research studies.
905: Mixed Methods Research for Information Studies
Description: Presents techniques for designing and executing mixed methods research in information studies as well as arguments for and against the use of mixed methods for theory building.
910: Doctoral Seminar in the Organization of Information
Description: In-depth and critical study of the historical, philosophical, theoretical, and methodological foundation of the organization of information.
Example Syllabus
960: Doctoral Seminar in Information Policy
Description: Examination of the conceptual, institutional, and practical foundations of information policy, law, and ethics.
970: Doctoral Seminar in Information Retrieval
Description: Advanced research concepts, methods, and applications for information retrieval (IR) and its evaluation, and current topics of research interest to the IR community.
990: Fieldwork in Library and Information Science Services
Description: Fieldwork experience of 50 to 150 hours under faculty and field supervisor guidance. Student must also complete a supervised field project.
997: Preliminary Examinations
Description: Available for doctoral students taking preliminary exams. May be repeated twice to a max of 6 cr with cons of adviser.
998: Doctoral Dissertation
Description: Doctoral dissertation research and advisement for information studies PhD candidates and PhD candidates with an emphasis in library and information science.
999: Independent Research
Description: Primary research under faculty guidance, on a special aspect of library and information services. Regular faculty consultation and written research report(s) required.