Information Design & Technology
Course Descriptions
Core
Courses | Research
Method Courses | Electives
Core Courses
IDT 501 Information Theory (3)
Examines the role of theory in effective communication and information
design. Explores theoretical approaches and practices from several
disciplines (communication, cognitive science, instructional design).
Applies front-end analysis and information design strategies and
practices. Students work on communication and design problems from
instructional environments, business, or government, and present their
findings orally, visually, and in writing.
IDT 507 Information Technologies (3)
Assesses the development and social impact of information and
communication technologies. Focuses on emerging technologies of the
21st century and the convergence of traditional with new media.
Examines the technical features and characteristics of information and
communication technologies, and assesses the evidence for significant
social impact associated with their diffusion.
IDT 534 Information Design (3)
Explores the theoretical and practical use of graphics as a form of
visual communication. Topics include visual perception and forms,
design theory, chart and graph theory, relationships between formatted
text and graphics, and color and design concepts. Students will apply
theory to the design of visuals in communication.
Core
Courses | Research
Method Courses | Electives
Research Method Courses
ANT 531 Methods of Research: Ethnographic Data Collection and
Analysis (3)
Examines the epistemological presumptions and methodological strictures
of field work/participant observation in the anthropological tradition.
Compares this to Positivist and Postmodernist approaches. Trains
students to use ethnographic methods and compares them with other
qualitative methods informed by this perspective (i.e. in-depth
interviewing and content analysis) in applied research and practice
settings. Evaluates a range of contemporary appropriations of the
ethnographic gaze from information systems development to evaluation.
CSC 507 Data Analysis (3)
A survey of research design and data analysis. Focus on the practical
issues involved in carrying our research in a variety of settings.
Sources of research questions, hypothesis formulation, research designs,
strategies to control for extraneous influences, appropriate
computerized statistical analyses (descriptive and inferential) drawing
appropriate conclusions, and alternate explanations are considered.
SOC 532 Methods of Research: Survey and Experimental Design (3)
Places emphasis on positivist approaches to social research processes in
applied settings. Applies hypothesis construction, research design,
data collection and data analysis to needs assessment and evaluation
requirements of organizations. Utilizes the SPSS to construct and
analyze real world databases.
SOC 533 Methods of Research: Statistical Analysis (3)
Reviews casual logic and uses descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation
and regression analysis, as well as other relevant inferential
statistical techniques, to analyze social data with emphasis upon
program outcome and evaluation data. Examines the significance of the
requisite assumptions and interpretation of findings for specific
statistical techniques. Relies on computer-based analysis using SPSS.
SOC 534 Methods of Research: Qualitative Research Techniques (3)
Explores qualitative research methods including in-depth interviewing,
oral history, content analysis, historical research, narrative analysis,
visual data, participant observation, case study research, and others
within the context of community development. Reviews models and methods
of participatory and collaborative research from fields including
sociology, geography, planning, natural resources, anthropology,
history, community and occupational health, and community, rural and
urban development, among others.
Core
Courses | Research
Method Courses | Electives
Electives
IDT 503 Human Factors in Information Design (3)
Provides students with theoretical frameworks and background needed to
analyze the relationship between computer environments and the people
who use them. The factors that relate to the design and use of
instructional media will be considered. Factors as diverse as
ergonomics, software screen design, readability, usability, web testing,
and user-centered and contextual analysis will be considered to
optimize the effectiveness of information design and instructional
media. Students will develop and build an interface designed to carry
out a sequence of well-defined tasks based on user/system requirements
and project methodology guidelines and research information.
IDT 505 Computing Environments (3)
An introduction to computer operating systems and computer networks
for communication specialists. Contemporary operating systems will be
examined including installation, the user interface, simple
troubleshooting, networking and internetworking. Network design,
architectures, administration, and support will be considered within the
context of a variety of professional environments.
IDT 531 Technical Editing (3)
Focuses on editing in the context of rhetorical theory, analyzing the
strategies and purposes of editing for various documents and audiences.
Emphasis falls on the editor as supervisor and manager who must
understand the design and production process of complete documents. A
major component of the course addresses the skills and issues of editing
for on-line communication and publication.
IDT 535 Typographic Design and Communication (3)
Investigates typographic variables and methods of organization. Verbal,
visual and vocal message-making is explored through the marriage of
meaning and form. This facilitates the development of an aesthetic
vocabulary combined with an increased sensitivity to language. Issues
of hierarchy, readability, and syntax will be examined through a series
of projects. The assignments range from realistic, client-based
problems to highly abstract, heuristic exercises.
IDT 536 Graphic Design (3)
An advanced exploration of the theoretical and practical application
of consumer, trade and public service graphic design. Students will
study the contemporary history and evolution of advertising’s use of
graphics as a means of visual communication. Students will create at
least seven promotional pieces with emphasis on presentation and
professional work. An introduction to the theory of computer-based
imaging and the exploration of a variety of hands-on techniques
pertaining to design creation, manipulation, and construction. Students
should have a general understanding of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe
Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
IDT 541 Instructional Design (3)
Students will learn about the fundamentals of instructional design,
its variations and impact on learning outcomes. Several contemporary ID
models will be examined. Students will ultimately adopt a personal
approach to instructional design.
IDT 545 Change Theory and Information Technology (3)
Examines the theoretical framework of change theory and research in
various fields and issues facing individuals or institutions engaged in
change. Students will discuss the elements of the change process, the
roles of participants in the process and implications for change agents
or agencies. Students will apply knowledge of diffusion and diffusion
research to a planned, ongoing or past diffusion effort, preparing
recommendations or post-mortem analysis of the process. Desirability
and unintended consequences of innovations will also be discussed.
Non-matriculated students need permission of dean to enroll.
IDT 551 Evaluating Technology (3)
Addresses issues that information technology professionals face in
selecting technology (both hardware and software) to meet desired goals.
Topics include technology classification, evaluation criteria and
software and hardware considerations, including the Internet and
intranets. Will examine how information is shaped and modified by the
technologies that are selected.
IDT 553 Principles of Design for Desktop and Electronic Publishing
(3)
An advanced consideration of communication theory as it relates to
visual language and the ways designers use and readers process such
information. Analyzes the strengths and limits of various media and
applies design principles applicable to each medium and to the
integration of visuals with language and sound. Students analyze and
evaluate selected readings and examples and use publishing techniques to
design and produce printed material and they design a Web site.
IDT 554 Advanced Web Development and Design (3)
Considers advanced aspects of web system design and development.
Issues covered include server-site application development, client-side
application development, and web graphics. The user-machine interaction
will be considered with a focus on user interface design principles,
guidelines and standards. The advantages and disadvantages of various
graphical user interfaces and object-oriented user interfaces will be
discussed.
IDT 555 Ethical and Legal Issues of the Information Age (3)
Analyzes ethical and legal issues related to information technologies.
Examines the ways that technology challenges traditional ethical and
legal concepts and raises old issues in new ways. Topics reflect recent
patterns and developments, with particular emphasis on how
technological developments shape, and are shaped by, the economic and
political structure and organization of communication systems. Examines
the role ethical and legal factors play in the day-to-day work of
designers, producers and consumers using a series of contemporary issues
as case studies.
IDT 585 Seminar in Emerging Information Technologies (3)
Takes an in-depth look at emerging technologies including but not
limited to multimedia, distance learning, networking and the Internet.
Reviews technical, social, economic and political factors associated
with new and emerging information technologies. Examines trends in the
development and diffusion of emerging information technologies.
Explores, through practical application, use of emerging information
technologies in educational settings.
IDT 590 Selected Topics in Information Design and Technology (3)
Provides students with the opportunity to investigate selected topics
in information and design technology. Topics will typically illustrate
the application of theory and research. Students may receive credit in a
future semester for different topic areas.
IDT 591 Independent Study (1-3)
IDT 592 Internship (3)
Application of theory to real-life situations through placement in an
appropriate work-related setting. Requires completion of assigned
projects under the joint supervision of a faculty member and a
professional supervisor. Prerequisite: Faculty will determine on a
case-by-case basis if student is adequately prepared for an internship.
The student will be required to make a proposal for an internship and
IDT faculty will review each request.
IDT 599 Thesis/Project (3)
Students complete as in-depth quantitative or qualitative empirical
study of a topic chosen by the student from the area of information
design and technology. Students will work individually on projects and
will act as a resource for other students working on their thesis,
reviewing their work, offering comments and suggestions, and sharing
ideas. At the completion of the course, students will present their
final paper to the college community. This is a capstone course for
students who are close to graduation in Information Design and
Technology. Students must have already taken or are currently taking a
research methods course. They should take the course after taking all
core courses. Permission of the instructor is required for admission to
the class.
CMT 600 Continuous Registration (1)
Maintaining continuous registration is a requirement for all graduate
degrees. Students who have completed most course requirements but are
finishing projects, capstone experiences, thesis or are satisfying
Incomplete or In-Progress grades must register to maintain continuous
matriculation. Course may be taken up to 6 semesters at which time it
is expected that all program requirements will have been met. Credit is
not used toward program completion requirements. Only S/U grades are
awarded for this course.
Core
Courses | Research
Method Courses | Electives
