INLS 180: Human Information Interactions

Spring 2004 (Section 002)

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Term Project

Due date: BEFORE class on 23 April

Objectives

• Synthesize existing literature in order to expose gaps and direct novel lines of questioning
• Apply theoretical terms and concepts to a practical and/or professional question
• Present finalized project work to an audience of colleagues
• Be able to address questions and criticisms on the fly

Project Options

OPTION ONE: Empirical investigation and report (e.g., survey, citation analysis, content analysis). Examples might include:

• Building an information portal to serve the needs of the users you studied in Assignments 1 and 2.
• Update and extend the models in one of the "classic" papers (Pierce, Taylor). Update to most recent data, extend to new media, comment on patterns, etc.
• Set up and operate a MUD/MOO, collect and analyze user behavior.
• Case study of an online community.
• Assessment/comparison of a set of similar websites (e.g., government, online dating) using theories from the readings.

OPTION TWO: Original presentation/construction in a non-print medium (e.g., video, online): This category is most flexible and meant to stimulate innovative communication expressions. For the purposes of evaluation, the instructor may involve class input or advice from experts outside the class but will be solely responsible for the assigned grade.

OPTION THREE: Scholarly paper: students are encouraged to think broadly when proposing topics. Sample topics include electronic publishing, history of telephonic communication, multi-linguality in the WWW, biological communication (e.g., DNA), mental telepathy, literacy in an electronic age, etc. This may be tied to Master’s papers.

Students interested in Options One and Two are encouraged to form small teams (2-3 people) and produce a collaborative project.

Oral presentations/descriptions of the project will take place on April 23; this is also the final due date for the project. Each project will have 10-15 minutes to informally describe the work. All projects must be approved by the instructor. Students are encouraged, but not required, to meet in person with me to discuss ideas.

Dates to note:

• Project ideas presented -- session 6 (Feb 13)
• Project commitments due -- session 9 (Mar 5)
• Rough drafts due for comment -- April 9
• Presentations AND final due date -- April 23

Evaluation Criteria

This assignment is worth 40% of your final grade. The criteria for evaluation include:

• the definition of the topic area
• evidence of application of theories and principles from class discussions
• the clarity and depth of analysis in the materials you produce
• the professionalism of your presentation, both written and oral

Christy Adessa Wilkens