Syllabus

Course Objectives

• To understand the role of organizing information in information control, transfer, and access processes.
• To learn about and become familiar with the basic principles and practices for organizing information.
• To develop skills for organizing information and to understand how issues of representation and classification play a role in this activity.
• To learn how to evaluate information organization in existing and planned information systems.
• To consider theoretical issues underlying the organization of information.

Acknowledgments
Many thanks to those who have taught this and similar courses for materials, ideas and inspiration: Jane Greenberg, Paul Solomon, Miles Efron, Elin Jacob and Cristina Pattuelli.

1. I will always be prepared for class, and will start class on time. If unforeseeable circumstances prevent this for any reason, I will try to notify you beforehand if at all possible. I expect the same of my students: be prepared for class, be ready to start class on time, and try to let me know if you can't be there.

2. You are encouraged and expected to participate in discussions. Organization of information is tightly linked with people's experience, expectations, perceptions, and ideas about how the world works. Learning as a class and as individuals is greatly enhanced by hearing everyone's ideas and questions, whether in the classroom, on the class list, or in discussions outside class.

3. Reading assignments should be done before the class for which they are assigned so you can ask questions and participate in discussions.

4. Assignments must be passed in at the beginning of the class in which they are due. Late assignments will be penalized at my discretion.

5. If there is something you don't understand, ask a question! If you don't want to ask during class, please come see me at some other time.

6. The Honor Code, which prohibits giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the completion of assignments, is in effect in this class. The Instrument of Student Judicial Governance gives examples of actions that constitute academic dishonesty. In the case of written work, all words and ideas drawn from others must be attributed appropriately. There are some specific guidelines for this class.
   • You may give and receive assistance regarding the use of hardware and software.
   • I encourage you to discuss issues raised in class or by the readings with each other. You may also ask your classmates for clarification of class notes.
   • Individual home work assignments are to be done individually. You may consult the course readings, your notes, and even other print or web sources. (Keep in mind, however, that what you find in other sources may not be consistent with what I want you to do.) You may not consult your classmates or other people; all questions should be addressed to me.
   • Group assignments are to be done as a group, with the group taking responsibility for the products. Work should be distributed equitably among group members.

All assignments will be graded on the following scale (graduate/undergraduate):

• 95 - 100% H / A
• 90 - 94% P+ / A-
• 85 - 89% P / B+, B, B-
• 80 - 84% P- / C+, C
• 70 - 79% L / C-, D
• 69% and below F