By "essay" we mean a half-sized term paper reporting on any mutually acceptable topic that has to do with information, information systems, and their impact on the individual and/or society. I use the word "essay" to mean that this is more than a report: It should not only report on your topic but also include your thoughts about this topic.
Part A: Half -page outline of intended topic ASAP -
Now overdue.
Also, by April 24, send a brief e-mail note of what your topic is to
the class at
is101@sims.berkeley.edu
Part B: Three page written progress report (or at least some
evidence of progress!) by May 1.
Part C: Final essay due in to me and a short (e.g. 15+ line) summary of what
you found that interested or surprised you to the rest
of the class - is101@sims.berkeley.edu - by Monday May 11 latest.
Class discussion of each topic as time allows.
Where to look for material depends on the topic. The exercises have been intended to help you increase your ability to find material. See Exercise 11: Finding sources. Here are some general tips. Previous students have found useful material in newsapapers, magazines, MAGS and other MELVYL databases, and on the Internet. For a broad-to-specific approach, try starting in reference in area of, say, the MOFFITT or the MAIN libraries, looking in whatever seems a suitable subject area, e.g. H Social Sciences, Q Science, QA76 Computing, or T Technology. There is usually an encyclopedia that can be useful.
International Encyclopedia of Communications. 10989. MOFF Ref P87.5 I5 1989Another approach is to start by looking very narrowly in MELVYL's databases. If you don't know what subject headings to use, try searching for words in titles, using FI TW or generic keyword FI KW and then use DISPLAY LONG to see what subject headings are being used. Refer to Exercise 4 for searching the World Wide Web.
Past topics include: Employee and consumer privacy. Information systems and U.S. culture. Wireless portable communication and its impact. Privacy and access to information. Cyberpunk as a literary movement and a subculture. Image integrity in the digital age. Information technology and organizational / business organization. Information technology and elementary education. Privacy and electronic monitoring in the workplace. Social issues on the information superhighway. Impact of television. (Revised 4/22/97)