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IS Undergraduate Program

The Undergraduate Program offers a number of courses that provide undergraduate students with a blend of conceptual and theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on laboratory experiences. Classes provide a solid foundation in contemporary library and information studies theory, information seeking and retrieval skills and information technology. In the laboratory environment, students have opportunities to apply their theoretical insights and practical skills to real word problems and situations.

See also: UCLA Undergraduate Resources

The Information Studies Department offers the following Undergraduate courses.

An * next to the course number indicates that this course has been approved as a GE credit course.

IS 10 Fundamentals of Information Searching & Evaluation

This course is specifically designed to introduce and facilitate first year undergraduate students knowledgeable use of the UCLA libraries’ bibliographic and information resources encompassing both general and specialized print and digital materials as well as relevant scholarly and professional literature in the humanities, physical and social sciences. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to have gained a mastery of basic UCLA library resources, information searching techniques and evaluation skills.

IS 20* Introduction to Information Studies

This course introduces undergraduate students to the field of information studies. It is a survey course of the nature and structure of information, information in culture, communities and organizations; information institutions, industries and markets; and, economic and political roles of information and information technology. This course introduces students to various forms and types of information and how information is disseminated in the humanities, physical and social sciences. The course also has a hands-on laboratory component that teaches students how to search for and retrieve information from digital and print sources and how to evaluate information.

IS 30* Information Technology in Society

This course introduces students to the ways in which the Internet and related technologies are helping to reorganize a wide variety of relationships in society. The course examines the origins of the Internet, ways in which the Internet is utilized, access to information and information technology in organizations and workplaces.

IS 110 Information Resources & Libraries

This course is designed for undergraduate students at the sophomore level and above and builds upon the concepts, theories and skills taught in IS 10. This course teaches students how to efficiently retrieve information from bibliographic and information resources available through UCLA and those found in the outside community that encompass both general and specialized materials as well as relevant scholarly and professional literature in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, professions and social sciences. Upon completion of this course, students will gain an understanding of disciplinary specific and specialized information sources, databases and retrieval tools.

IS 19 Fiat Lux Seminars

During the year, the Information Studies department offers several Fiat Lux Seminars. Seminars focus on specific issues and current topics of importance taught by Information Studies faculty members in their areas of expertise. Recent seminar topics include: Digital Security, New Media, and Records and Archival issues.

IS 111A-111E

  • 111A Ethnic Groups & Their Bibliographies: American Indian History & Culture
  • 111B Ethnic Groups & Their Bibliographies: African American History & Culture
  • 111C Ethnic Groups & Their Bibliographies: Latino History & Culture
  • 111D Ethnic Groups & Their Bibliographies: Asian American History & Culture
  • 111E Ethnic Groups & Their Bibliographies: Jewish History & Culture

These courses are designed to provide undergraduate students with an understanding of bibliographic resources located within specific ethnic groups. Particular attention is given to providing a historical and cultural context within which these resources are located. Courses are taught by faculty members who have specialized training, knowledge and experience.

IS 180

Special Topics in Information Studies. (4) Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Designed for juniors/seniors. Selected topics or issues related to social, cultural, economic, or political aspects of information and information systems. Consult "Schedule of Classes" for topics andinstructors. May be repeated once for credit with topic change. P/NPor letter grading.

Recently offered IS 180 course course description:

Major media firms and cultural institutions have been challenged in recent years by activists, artists, and citizen groups using new media technologies to resist, "talk back," or otherwise challenge the prevailing culture.  This course focuses on five major types of these alternative and activist Internet projects: culture jamming, alternative computing, mediated mobilization, indymedia, and folksonomy.  The key characteristics of these projects are discussed and example cases presented.

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Updated: 2/21/08

All materials copyright 2001 - 2008, UCLA GSE&IS Department of Information Studies.