Information Systems 200 (INFS 200) engages students in critical inquiry and research as they use information systems, including the internet, mass media, and libraries, to investigate key issues pertaining to information, knowledge and society in the information age. The course provides a foundation for students to participate effectively in scholarly communities and to explore their roles as citizens in the dynamic, multimedia landscape of the twenty-first century.
Objectives
Upon completion of INFS 200 students should be able to
critically reflect on social, economic and political contexts for the creation, distribution and use of knowledge and information in the information age.
apply a broad understanding of what it means to be critical to the processes of research and evaluation.
demonstrate an understanding of practices for maintaining intellectual honesty.
use knowledge of a wide range of information types and information systems to explore, join and contribute to conversations around issues and problems.
develop and apply online search strategies, evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and modify strategies as needed.
discuss the implications of information and communication technologies for society and citizenship.
Evaluation
To receive credit for INFS 200, you must satisfactorily complete four assignments and the final examination, you must achieve a grade of 50 percent or better on the final examination and a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). Discussion and glossary activities account for 15% of your final mark. The weighting of the composite mark is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1
15%
Assignment 2
10%
Assignment 3
10%
Assignment 4
20%
Discussions & Glossary
15%
Final Online Exam
30%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Badke, W. (2017). Research strategies: Finding your way through the information fog (6th ed.). Bloomington, IN: iUniverse, Inc. (Print)
Other Materials
All other course materials will be accessed online.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.