Graduate Course Descriptions

iSchool-3yrCourse-Rotation-GRAD-sp24-fa26 (updated 01.02.2024)

NOTE: The Graduate Course Rotation Schedule includes a list of courses scheduled to be offered during the terms shown. Additions or deletions to the schedule may be made in any semester to meet course demand, to introduce new courses, to adjust for faculty availability and/or budget constraints. While this document does not represent a guarantee, the iSchool will make every effort to provide the courses as scheduled. Additionally, the sample syllabus posted for each course should be used only as a guide. Books and other required resources that may be listed can change from semester to semester. Please refer to the official textbook guide for up to date details. Refer to your specific degree requirements page for detailed information about program requirements. When selecting courses, make sure you review the course prerequisites to verify your eligibility for a class. Students who have not successfully completed the required course prerequisites may be dropped for ineligibility.


Master’s Course Descriptions

IDC5606 Cyber Defense Ops and Response (3) sample course syllabus This course provides students with practical experience on computer incident handling, diagnostic reporting, incident response, and cyber defense operations. Students will gain experience in forming effective, cohesive and efficient cyber defense teams. Students will be grouped into teams to configure and secure various types of information systems (e.g., Redhat, Debian, Windows, etc.) that provide on-demand services (such as ftp, http, firewall, etc.) within an organizational setting. In particular, students will follow principles of computer incident handling, reporting and response exercises, as well as operational exercises as part of tabletop incident discussions. Industry-based technical and system-based exercises (e.g., Palo Alto Networks, Redhat etc.) will be simulated in a cloud-based lab environment. The course instructional design is semi-structured but highly interactive. Students are required to work with one another in teams to solve operational and technical problems. Students will also have a chance to participate in on-campus, regional and national Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC), with an opportunity to advance their critical thinking and troubleshooting skills in a virtual “sandbox,” for solving current cyber threat issues. Students in graduate programs will be expected to have leadership, management and technical problem-solving skills, and be able to articulate the research problems of cyber defense operations and incidents response with theoretical and methodological approaches.

LIS 5020Foundations of the Information Professions (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course provides background information about the information professions and the information provision environments, including the organizations and institutions of the information provision environment (IPE) and the historical, disciplinary, and theoretical foundations of these professions. Information in the context of the IPE is defined broadly and includes but is not limited to information for multiple purposes such as academic, professional, educational, personal enrichment, and leisure and recreation. The student will be introduced to the application of information technologies used to facilitate IPE processes and will improve their skills in using a variety of technologies by applying them to information problems.

LIS 5203 Information Behavior (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Studying information behaviors of users is an essential initial step of information system design of any kind. This course provides students with an overview that emphasizes the user’s perspective in the analysis of information needs and preferences, including the fundamentals necessary for the study and understanding of human information behaviors of a variety of users and user groups.

LIS 5241 International and Comparative Information Service (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Information plays an important role in the lives of individuals around the world. Access to information is an important factor in the economic, social, cultural and political development of all nations. LIS 5241 focuses on analysis of information management and access at the national or country level in the context of international globalization. Students will develop the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to analyze and compare the social, cultural, economic and political factors that affect access to information and information service provision.

LIS 5255  Information, Technology, and Older Adults (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Examines the information and technology needs, uses, and seeking of older adults, with attention to aging in society, successful longevity, lifelong learning, health information, information service provision and evaluation, technology and interface design, technology affordances, and information use environments of older adults. This course emphasizes synthesis, evaluation, and assessment across the many factors and themes of importance to older adults and their use of information and technology. Students will gain a thorough, synthesized understanding of older adults’ use of information and technology and their information needs and seeking behavior; learn how to plan, assess, and evaluate information and technology services and systems from the perspective of older adults; and reflect on and discuss their understanding and evaluation. Students should leave the course with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to propose, implement, and assess information and technology services and systems intended for use by older adults.

LIS 5263 Theory of Information Retrieval (3)sample course syllabus ] Prequisite: LIS5703 or instructor permission. This course will introduce students to theories, models, and systems of information retrieval (IR). These will include the models of representation for data/information/knowledge and user needs/queries; the models and mechanisms of information relevance establishment, information filtering and personalization; and the models and measures for IR system performance evaluation.

LIS 5271 Research in Information Studies (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This is an introductory course in applied research methods in the social sciences with a particular emphasis on information studies. It will provide an overview of the basic issues and methods that information professionals should consider when collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data regarding information programs and services. The course covers scientific inquiry, research ethics, problem formulation, measurement, as well as quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis. It will also provide a foundation for evaluating a variety of scientific, technical, business, and government information and for conducting applied research in information‐based organizations. The course is appropriate for students with no background in research or analytical methods.

LIS 5275 Usability Analysis (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course provides a comprehensive overview of usability analysis and its role in user-centered design. The course has been designed to familiarize students with the concepts and procedures necessary to incorporate usability analysis into the information systems design process. At the end of the course, students will possess both the resources and skills necessary to conduct usability analyses and evaluate information systems from a user-centered design perspective.

LIS 5313 Digital Media: Concepts and Production (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course provides a conceptual and practical introduction to creating and using media resources to support learning in library and other information settings. Coursework regularly includes media analysis and media production activities that: 1) incorporate digital image, sound, and video elements; 2) utilize web-based tools; and 3) apply knowledge of copyright and digital media.

LIS5341 Data Organization (3) [lis5341_sampleSyllabus_sp22] Students will learn core concepts associated with electronic data, both structured and unstructured, and its representation, relationships, organization, and use. Students will learn about knowledge structures and standards used to represent data and ensure interoperability and scalability. This course is a complement to database management and will help prepare students to engage in effective data analytics and data science.

LIS 5362 Design and Production of Networked Multimedia (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course introduces the student to the design, creation and management of standards-based, ADA-compliant web sites, frameworks, and applications. The principles of user accessibility and user-centered design are emphasized, as is a focus on the implementation of modern web standards and coding. Students will learn how to apply these principles to design, and produce and manage web sites, tools and applications using a variety of development and management tools.

LIS 5364 Web Site Development and Administration (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Prerequisite: LIS 5362. This course follows a step-by-step introduction to topics concerning client- and server-side programming (including data interfacing and security). Topics include acquiring domain names and Web hosting agencies, introduction to server-side programming, working with data types and operators, building functions and control structures, manipulating strings, accessing files and directories, manipulating data in arrays and strings, connecting to and manipulating data resources, managing state information, object-oriented design, debugging and error handling. In addition, more advanced topics using templates and jQuery may be included as well.

LIS 5367 Advanced Web Applications (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Prerequisite: LIS5362; LIS 5364. This course aims to explore, discuss, and research emerging technologies in the area of Web application development. Emphasis is placed on standards and exposure to more recent technologies relating to the Web, providing hands-on experience, and discussion of practical implications of these emerging fields.

LIS 5385 Social Computing and Collaboration Technologies (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course explores the tools, techniques, and challenges of implementing and managing social and collaboration technologies within and beyond the workplace. Students participating in this class will engage with the sociotechnical and historical context for the information communication technologies (ICTs) used by organizations to facilitate communication and collaboration within the workplace, to extend their mission beyond the workplace, and to engage with external audiences using social media. Students will actively design solutions to social computing challenges that build on a foundation in ICT skills and knowledge, while allowing students to gain valuable leadership, communication, and organizational skills. They will also explore issues and concerns that may influence the individual and organizational adoption of social computing and collaboration tools.

LIS 5403 Human Resource Management for Information Professionals (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Prerequisite: LIS5408 – Management of Information Organizations. This course explores human resource (HR) concepts, and issues and challenges confronting HR managers working in 21st century information provision environments (IPE). Students will learn strategies for effectively managing and implementing HRM policies and programs to facilitate optimal human resource management in the IPE. As this course builds upon management outcomes presented in LIS 5408 Management of Information Organizations, LIS 5408 is a prerequisite. This course expects the student to both analyze and synthesize information and demonstrate application of the learning concepts.

LIS 5405 Leadership in Technology (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Technology (IT) infrastructures in a variety of contexts. Through this course, students will develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of IT leaders, evidence-based methods for developing leadership strategies, as well as how to lead innovative and entrepreneurial technology development in fast-paced environments. Students will also develop the ability to identify key leadership competencies and resources to understanding emerging technology trends. The course challenges students to engage in active planning of their careers through the development of personal action plans.

LIS 5408 Management of Information Organizations (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This is an introductory course in management of information organizations within a variety of organizational contexts. It is designed to develop a conceptual framework for integrating fundamental management concepts, principles, policies, theories, and practices into an effective personal management process that relates to information organizations of the 21st century. In addition, students acquire strategies for developing cohesive, productive management teams through experiential learning.

LIS 5411 Introduction to Information Policy (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course examines selected fundamental policy questions regarding information and communications, with special attention to intricate policy issues such as information ownership rights, privacy rights, and public access to information. The course examines such issues by focusing on the underlying constitutional principles, laws and regulations, statutes, and government policies that impact such issues. Specific attention is given to federal policies within the United States but state and local policies are examined as needed. Specific course topics include universal service, information equity, privacy, intellectual property, censorship, e-government, and information management. The course focuses on providing information professionals with a fundamental understanding of the importance and impact of information policy.

LIS 5413 Seminar in Information Policy (3) An analysis of both existing and possible public policies toward the production, dissemination, recording, and ownership of information. The economic, political, and social aspects of policy analysis will be introduced and applied to specific information policy issues.

LIS 5417 Introduction to Legal Resources (3)sample course syllabus ] Students are introduced to legal resources and their use for legal research. Upon completion of this course, the student will understand how legal information is organized and structured, and be able to retrieve laws and regulations from many sources. This course is designed to enable a student to function effectively as an information management professional in any type of legal setting, including a law library.

LIS 5418 Introduction to Health Informatics (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Growing healthcare costs has generated the need for information specialists knowledgeable about emerging technical solutions that can help improve healthcare delivery and health decision‐making not only for clinicians but also for patients and general health consumers. A growing number of healthcare providers are investing in information systems that will affect their operations and practices. Health consumers are taking a more proactive role in their healthcare to manage and navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment and to live healthier lives. This survey course evaluates health informatics from a stakeholder perspective and provides an overview of the role of information professionals in this emerging interdisciplinary field. The course begins with a brief overview of the US healthcare system then discusses to what extent technology can be used to meet the health information needs of various users such as providers of healthcare services, clinicians, health educators, consumers, patients, and caregivers.

LIS 5419 Consumer Health Informatics (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course explores how information and communication technologies can be used to empower health consumers and improve their medical outcomes. Students will examine different eHealth approaches for health promotion, disease prevention, and for supporting patient self-management. They will also discuss issues and concerns influencing adoption of these technologies at different levels. The course emphasizes a multi-disciplinary and user-centered approach for designing eHealth interventions using theories and principles from communication, information science, human-computer interaction, medicine, psychology, and public health.

LIS 5426 Grant Writing, Evaluation and Administration (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Students will design, develop and demonstrate the core individual and collaborative skills in planning, constructing, analyzing, administering and evaluating grant projects in an information organization. This course has no prerequisites; however it builds upon management outcomes presented in LIS 5408 Management of Information Organizations, and it is highly recommended that students take LIS 5408 prior to taking this course. This course expects the student to both analyze and synthesize information and demonstrate application of the learning concepts. The course will benefit the student through the acquisition of practical, theoretical, and scholarly knowledge.

LIS 5442 Information Leadership (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Prerequisite: LIS 5408. In concert with – and contrast to – theories and models of the past, students in this course will analyze evidence-based concepts in order to develop a personalized understanding of 21st century leadership. The course focuses on the development of leadership capacity for information professionals, including how to think reflectively as well as strategically, ethically influence others, design and maintain functional organizations, capitalize on a swiftly changing technological environment, and finally to demonstrate vision.  In part, leadership skills are developed through personal reflection and teamwork.

LIS 5472 Digital Libraries (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Prerequisite: Pre- or Corequisite: LIS 5703. This course addresses conceptual, practical, and technical issues, problems and approaches to digital libraries. The course offers a comprehensive overview of digital libraries, beginning with the issues of design, management and evaluation of digital libraries, such as project management, collection development, digitization, metadata, digital library applications, access and user interfaces, usability, and evaluation. The research literature addressing digital library development and evaluation is discussed. The practical experience of building a digital library provides an opportunity to develop useful skills for dealing with real-life issues in digital library projects.

LIS 5474 Business Information and Competitive Intelligence (3) [sample course syllabus ] This course introduces students to business information and competitive intelligence for information and technology professions, covering techniques for locating business and competitive intelligence information, and how to analyze, interpret and report the results of business and competitive intelligence research.

LIS 5484 Introduction to Data Networks for Information Professionals (3) [ sample course syllabus ] A foundation course in networking and telecommunications technologies, and management of modern data networks, with emphasis on the building blocks of local and wide area networks. Subjects covered include networking architectures, topologies, models, layers, protocols, IP sub netting, equipment, operating systems, security and various tools and utilities. Also covered are economic and policy issues inherent to telecommunications, and management skills that the professional in this field will need to master.

LIS 5485 Introduction to Information Technologies (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course introduces students to Information Technology (IT) on a theoretical and practical level. The course reviews the underlying concepts of IT as embodied in operating systems, hardware, application software, website creation and networks. It ensures that all students have mastered minimum skills and knowledge sets and are prepared to carry out assignments requiring IT skills through the program.

LIS5486 Managing Makerspaces- (3 credits) [ sample course syllabus ] This introductory course introduces students to skills, technologies, principles and issues involved in managing makerspaces and fab labs for emerging technologies, which has been an area of growing demand for information and technology organizations. The course will focus on technology leadership and management as well as instructional and design aspects of operating spaces that support hands-on technology learning and use.

LIS 5487 Information Systems Management (3) [ sample course syllabus ] An introduction to the role of information systems in organizations and how they relate to organizational objectives and structures. Covers the basics of management and information as they relate to each other in the operation of an information center.

LIS 5489 Network Administration (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course focuses on the planning, design, configuration, operation, and management of computer networks containing data communication devices, servers, workstations, and networked applications and support systems. It introduces students to administrative techniques inherent to basic operating systems, and also to enterprise management systems required by larger organizations. Students examine and discuss issues of scalability, performance management, and integration of internal resources with external resources such as cloud-based systems.

LIS 5511 Collection Development and Management (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Introduction to the national, state, and local environments, principles, policies and practices that facilitate or inhibit the selection, evaluation, acquisition, access to, maintenance, and evaluation of resources for a library and their use and usefulness.

LIS 5524 Instructional Role of the Informational Specialist (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course focuses on three concepts: merging instruction theory with practice; learning how to create an instruction program; and learning how to become a successful instructor in information settings. Students develop a conceptual framework for information user education, which includes an overview of learning theory, teaching methods, and instructional design. Students learn how to create, teach, evaluate, and manage an instruction program.

LIS 5528 Storytelling for Information Professionals (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course will provide instruction for the practice and application of the oral tradition within storytelling. The overall intent of the course is to facilitate the oral tradition of storytelling within library and information studies (LIS).

LIS 5564 Information Needs of Children (3) [ sample course syllabus ] A study of the materials (books, magazines, video & film formats, audio, television, computer software, CD-ROMS, Internet resources, etc.) created for children, ages birth to twelve, with an emphasis on the process of evaluation in order to meet their educational, cultural, and recreational needs.

LIS 5565 Information Needs of Young Adults (3) [ sample course syllabus ] An overview of the characteristics and the information needs of young adults and the resources and strategies that may assist adults and youth in meeting these needs. Developmental stages of young adults are taken into consideration in understanding their information needs. This course focuses on fiction and nonfiction materials published specifically for ages 12-18 (grades 6-12, or middle and high school), but from time to time incorporates resources designed for younger children and for adults that are also appropriate for young adults.

LIS 5566 Diverse Resources for Children and Young Adults (3) [ sample course syllabus ] The focus of this course is an evaluation of both United States and international literature and information resources for children and young adults from the perspective of diversity. Students will explore various diversity issues, including race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, ability, religion, and the immigrant experience. Students will employ strategies for using literature and information resources to meet the developmental, informational, and recreational needs of children and young adults in relation to these issues. Discussion will include various resource formats, selection criteria, and promotional strategies.

LIS 5576 Information Needs of Adults (3) [ sample course syllabus ] An examination of the nature and societal aspects of adult information needs, sources, and uses. Focuses on fiction and non-fiction genres; formal, popular, and alternative information sources; and the cultural values of entertainment and information, as well as the relationship between the two. Examines print, electronic, and mass-media sources and uses within their social contexts.

LIS 5577 Graphic Novels in Libraries (3) [ sample course syllabus ] A survey of graphic novels, including manga and manhwa, for readers of all ages, but focusing primarily on materials for young adults and adults. Examines issues related to evaluation, collection development, organization, promotion, readers’ advisory, programming, intellectual freedom, and the use of graphic novels in school and college classrooms.

LIS 5590 Museum Informatics (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course provides an introduction to museum informatics, the study of the sociotechnical interactions that occur between people, information, and technology in museums and other cultural heritage organizations. Students explore the changing nature of information technology in museums, and examine how technical innovations are influencing the social worlds of museums, museum professionals, and museum visitors.

LIS 5602 Marketing of Library and Information Services (3)sample course syllabus ] The purpose of this course is to provide the motivated audience of students with the concepts, techniques and illustrative examples needed to develop first-rate marketing skills. These skills will facilitate strategic planning that is cost effective and customer-centered in its approach.

LIS 5603 Introduction to Information Services (3) [ sample course syllabus ] LIS 5603 introduces reference/information work using print and online sources; the course also explores current trends, professional topics, and issues relevant to information-providing agencies in traditional and online environments.

LIS 5631 Health Information Sources (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course provides an overview of health information resources used in different contexts including clinical care, research and continuing medical education, as well as patient health care and health promotion and communication. Students will evaluate and explore a variety of medical and consumer health information sources. The class will discuss issues, trends, and policies related to the retrieval and use of health information including the different stakeholders that shape these (e.g., local, state and national organizations and professional associations). Course material is intended for those interested in professions that require the use and/or provision of medical and consumer health information sources in a variety of settings including bio‐medical research, continuing medical education, clinical care and patient education.

LIS 5661 Government Information (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course provides an introduction to government information sources and research, with a primary focus on U.S. government information. Students will learn about the structure of government and the dissemination of government information resources to the public, including techniques for locating and using government information sources.

LIS 5703 Information Organization (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Establishes conceptual and practical frameworks for organizing and retrieving information, including the study of systems, their objectives and structures, formats, standards, and vocabularies; and the information object and its relationship to organizing systems and to other information objects.

LIS 5711 Cataloging and Classification (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Prerequisite: LIS 5703. This course teaches students application of standards and rules to the construction of catalogs in library and information environments using RDA and MARC. This includes choice of descriptive detail for information packages; choice and form of entry for names and titles; provision of authority control for names and titles; and tagging and formatting of data for computer input. Other topics include: analysis, comparison, and use of Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), provision of authority control for subject headings, and tagging and formatting of subject and classification information for computer input.

LIS 5736 Indexing and Abstracting (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Takes a practical approach to indexing and abstracting. Covers manual and automatic processes and methods of abstracting and indexing, database organization and design. Emphasis on subject access and indexing and abstracting in an online environment with attention to production rules, standards, and file organization.

LIS 5751 Computers as Persuasive Technology (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course explores how digital technologies can be designed to influence individuals’ attitudes or behaviors in a number of contexts (i.e., e-commerce, social marketing, education, health, etc.). It emphasizes a user-centered approach that draws on theories and methods from multiple disciplines including psychology, human behavior studies, communication and human-computer interaction to inform the design of persuasive experiences delivered through interactive technologies and applications.

LIS 5765 Data Mining and Analytics (3) [sample course syllabus ] Prerequisite: Completion of at least one database course in the undergraduate or graduate level.LIS2780, LS3781, LIS3784, OR LIS5782 This course provides an introduction to data mining methods and applications. In this course, students will learn basic concepts and tools for data mining, including data sources, data cleaning tools and methods, mainstream algorithms for data mining, statistical modeling, popular tools for mining structured data and unstructured data. Students will also learn how data mining can be effectively used in various application areas, with the focus on in healthcare, to drive decisions and actions. The students will conduct a project of data analytics, and use the tools introduced in the course to tackle the problem. This course is appropriate for students with basic knowledge and skills in database management systems. Prior programming skills are helpful but not required

LIS 5775 Organizational Information Security (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course looks at management issues and practical implications related to securing organizational information systems. This course focuses on the IT security threat environment, cryptography, securing network, access control, firewalls, host hardening, application security, data protections, and incident response. A clear theoretical understanding supports a large practical component. Students will learn to audit and troubleshoot information systems, and use contemporary security software. Course is open to MS in Information Technology students with possible exceptions pending instructor approval.

LIS 5782 Database Management Systems (3) [ sample course syllabus ] LIS 5782 is an introductory database course appropriate for students who have basic knowledge about information organization. Although several database models are briefly presented, the course focuses on the relational model, the basis for most currently installed production database management systems (DBMS). The course covers the principles of database design and implementation including relational concepts, data modeling, conceptual and logical database design, use of SQL as a data- manipulation language, and current issues in database administration.

LIS 5786 Introduction to Information Architecture (3) [ sample course syllabus ] This course provides an overview of the information architecture design process, from assessing user needs, through organizing information resources, to documenting the design of information systems and spaces. Students learn how to design information systems that support specific information needs, taking into account the social and organizational contexts of their users from an information architecture perspective.

LIS 5787 Fundamentals of Metadata Theory and Practice (3) [ sample course syllabus ] Prerequisite: LIS 5703 or instructor permission. Metadata is critical in accessing, managing, and exchanging electronic resources. This course will introduce students to the basic theories and principles of metadata design and creation using ER modeling, XML and RDF. The course will review major conceptual frameworks, ontologies and metadata schemas used in libraries, archives, museums, and digital data repositories. Real-life scenarios and collections will be used to highlight and gain understanding of the issues related to metadata creation, aggregation, and reuse.

LIS 5788 Health Information Systems and Management (3)sample course syllabus ] This is an introductory course in Health Information Systems for managing information and information resources within a wide variety of healthcare organizations. It is designed to develop a conceptual framework for integrating fundamental concepts, principles, policies, standards, and practices related to healthcare organizations of the 21st century. In addition, students acquire strategies for developing cohesive, productive HIT management teams through experiential learning.

LIS 5900r Directed Individual Study (1–3) Guided studies for individual professional and subject needs. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. (S/U grade only.)

LIS 5916r Issues in Information Studies (3) Consideration of selected topics and issues in information studies not included elsewhere in the curriculum. Credit is, and enrollment may be, determined by the instructor. Different sections may be taken in the same semester. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours as content varies. Some special topics courses that have been offered include: Advanced Social Media, Cultural Competence for Information Professionals, Data Mining Methods and Applications, Information for Diverse Users, Managing Innovation and Change, Mobile Application Development, Nonfiction Resources for Children and Young Adults, and Virtual Reference Environments.

LIS 5945r Internship (1-6) You will work under the guidance and supervision of a professional in an organization which provides information services. The work is guided by learning objectives agreed upon by the site supervisor, the Internship Coordinator, and you. You must adhere to the human resource policies of the site organization. Throughout the course, you will reflect upon, analyze, and comment on your work activities and work environment with electronic discussions and individual journal entries to frame that experience. The course offers an ideal opportunity to test theory in practice and to gain experience in a realistic information provision environment. The experience is expected to be mutually beneficial for the organization and the student. Credit Hours: 1 – 6 credits; each credit hour requires approximately 45 hours at the work location over the course of the semester. (S/U grade only.) LIS 5971r Thesis (2–6) May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. Thesis must be completed for a total of either three or six credits. (S/U grade only.) LIS 8966r Master’s Comprehensive Examination (0) (P/F grade only.) LIS 8976r Master’s Thesis Defense (0) (P/F grade only.)  

Doctoral Course Descriptions

LIS 6024 Seminar in Theory and Foundations of Information Sciences (3) This course is a historical and critical examination of the intellectual traditions and foundational literature of library and information science (LIS). Readings in seminal works provide a rich background and context for analyzing and understanding current problems and future trends in LIS and developing research and applications to solve fundamental problems.

LIS 6027 Statistics and Data Analysis for Information Studies (3) This is an introductory course in statistical analysis for students pursuing a doctorate in information studies. The course will provide a foundation in statistical techniques that are often used in information studies and prepare students for more advanced statistics courses. The course will cover descriptive statistics, probability distributions, inference, hypothesis testing, correlation, simple regression, multiple regression, ANOVA, and ANCOVA. Students will also become proficient using statistical software applications to analyze data sets in order to address research questions.

LIS 6040 Teaching in Information Studies (3) (S/U grade only).  Teaching Assistants are a valuable resource to the University. Their assistance allows faculty to focus on student learning while giving the TA valuable teaching experience to support them on their way to becoming junior faculty in training. This course will introduce the future Teaching Assistant to the basic skills they will need to succeed as a TA including an introduction to multiple teaching and learning styles; course building and management; using technology in the classroom; developing rubrics, leading the classroom, and assessing student work.

LIS 6106 Information Systems Research in Organizations and Society (3) This seminar is designed to provide students with a broad range of topics, theoretical perspectives and foundational concepts concerning information systems (IS) research in organization and society. To facilitate rigorous IS research, the course covers topic areas such as adoption of digital media and systems, computer-mediated communication and collaboration, social networks, knowledge management, IT-enabled organizational change, inter-organizational relationship, community and open innovation.

LIS 6205 Seminar in Information Behavior (3) The course prepares doctoral students to do research focusing on an aspect of information behavior through discovering issues in information behavior. The seminar introduces a range of techniques applied to the analysis of information behavior, with a focus on ethnographic methodologies. The course provides students with an overview of information behavior and the fundamentals to a broad approach emphasizing a unifying structure to understand information, information needs, information seeking, and information behavior.

LIS 6269 Seminar in Information Science (3) The course introduces students to the core research and practice areas of Information Science (IS). The course emphasizes group reading, discussion and collaborative critical analysis of the methods, findings, and impacts of assigned readings.

LIS 6272 Qualitative Research in Information Studies (3) This seminar covers a variety of qualitative research methods that may be used in library and information science. It explores general, epistemological, and ethical issues with qualitative research; methods of data collection; techniques for data analysis; and evaluation of qualitative research. It includes readings, short- and long-form writing, in-class discussions, and practical exercises in qualitative research.

LIS 6278 Seminar in Theory Development (3–5) This course requires students to discuss and critique the structural components and research processes related to the origination, construction, and evolution of theory. The seminar provides students with an awareness of the historical and social conditions that influence a tradition of ideas

LIS 6279 Research in Information Studies (3) This course surveys the research methods commonly used in information studies. Students learn to design, evaluate, and present research. Focus is on the preparation of designs for conducting individual research leading to a dissertation research project.

LIS 6289 Seminar in Education for Information Studies (3) Within the framework of University and professional education, an examination of the aims, structures, and issues related to education for information issues. Includes curricular content and design, faculty, students, and finance and administration.

LIS 6662 Seminar in Information Policy (3) Identifies/analyzes selected issues related to government information policies, and considers policy alternatives to better access state/federal information. Examines research methodologies to investigate information policies.

LIS 6759 Seminar in Intellectual Access (3) The course introduces students to the core research and practice areas, the basic concepts, principles, methods and tools of knowledge organization and representation. The course emphasizes group reading, discussion and collaborative critical analysis of the methods, findings, and impacts of assigned readings.

LIS 6909r Directed Individual Study (1–9) (S/U grade only.). Doctoral students may take up to 9 credit hours in a semester and up to 12 credit hours in total of Directed Individual Study (DIS) course, LIS 6909. Specific activities will vary based on the contract negotiated between the student and the instructor and will reflect the student’s need to acquire skills and gain experience in specific topic areas. Directed Individual Study is not available as an alternative version of a course otherwise offered on a regular basis by the School.

LIS 6911r Research Collaboration (1–5) Prerequisite: LIS 6279. This course provides students with experience in conducting research under the guidance of faculty. The student participates in the supervising faculty member’s research program and can be involved in theory building, literature reviews, research design, data collection, data analysis and report writing. May be repeated to a maximum of five semester hours. (S/U grade only.)

LIS 6919r Issues in Information Studies (1-3) Directed and supervised detailed investigation of selected problems, issues, and trends in the various areas of librarianship/information studies including, but not limited to, cataloging and classification; work with the disadvantaged; children and youth services; academic, public, school, and special libraries; administration; information science. Offerings will vary because of currency and the changing nature of the subject matter. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen semester hours.

LIS 6936r Proseminar in IS Research and Teaching (1) The course introduces students to research and teaching within the field of IS, as well as orienting students to current issues relevant to preparing for teaching and research careers. The course emphasizes reading, discussion and collaborative critical analysis of the methods, findings, and impacts of assigned readings, and presentations by students and invited speakers.

LIS 6939 – Seminar In Experimental And Survey Research Design (3) COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Doctoral student standing
  • LIS 6024 Seminar in Theory and Foundations of Information Sciences or a similar theory course
  • LIS 6027 Statistics and Data Analysis or a similar statistics course
  • LIS 6279 Seminar in Research in Information Studies or a similar research methods course

This seminar course introduces students to concepts and principles related to the effective design of research using experimental and survey methodologies and techniques. This class is different from most other quantitative research design courses in that it focuses on methodological and design issues in planning experiments, quasi-experiments, and survey research rather than on analyzing the data with various statistics. The class will cover some aspects of data analysis, but the main goals are to: (a) equip students with the knowledge and skills required to conceptualize a research project using experimental or survey research methodology, and (b) prepare students to conduct independent research using these methodologies. Ideally, students taking this course should have taken a theory class, a basic research methods class and a basic statistics class. That said, this course does not assume that students should know anything about experiments, survey research or statistical analysis. However, students should have a basic knowledge of the scientific method and some knowledge of theory because experiments are used to test hypotheses posed through some theoretical framework, not just hunches. This course may satisfy a doctoral seminar or an advanced research methods course requirements but not both.

LIS 6965 Preliminary Exam Preparation (1-8) Variable Credit 1-8; May be repeated within the same term to a maximum of eight semester hours. (Students may take up to 24 hours of preliminary Exam Preparation.) Preliminary exam preparation hours orient doctoral students to preliminary exam procedures and provide supervision for the development of topic areas and bibliographies that define the content of the student’s preliminary exams. The preliminary exam is the milestone that determines a student’s readiness to advance to candidacy.

LIS 6980r Dissertation (1–12) Dissertation credits to be arranged in consultation with major professor. Maximum of twelve semester hours may be taken in any given semester. All doctoral students must complete twenty-four semester hours of dissertation as part of the program of study. (S/U grade only.)

LIS 8964r Doctoral Preliminary Examination (0) (P/F grade only.) LIS 8985r Dissertation Defense Examination (0) (P/F grade only.)