IS 203 Social and Organizational Issues of Information

Basic Information

Syllabus

Class Slides

Assignments

Exemplary Papers

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Assignment 1

Due on Thursday, Feb 9th, beginning of the class.

Overview

This assignment has two parts, each described in detail below. This assignment is due at the beginning of class on Thursday, Feb 9th. Bring TWO stapled copies of your assignment to class. Papers should be double-spaced, 12-point serif font (e.g., Times New Roman).

Part I: Identification of Key Terms: (30%)

First, explain in no more than 50 words the meaning of SIX of the terms below, choosing either "Naturalization of Information" or "Shannon's Information Theory" (not both!). Then, choose any THREE terms and describe their significance to our understanding of the development of information and/or information technology (200 word maximum per item). You should cite authors and page numbers from our readings where appropriate, but do not use direct quotations.

Provide the definitions separately from your explanations of significance - do not wrap everything into a single essay.

Part II: Essays (70%)

Choose TWO of the three essay questions. In no more than 400 words per essay, answer the question completely, following appropriate grammar rules. You should cite authors and page numbers from our readings where appropriate, but do not use direct quotations.

  1. Analyze and critique MacKenzie's argument about "natural trajectories" from Fischer's perspective/viewpoint. That is, your answer should be based on Fischer's arguments (and citing him when appropriate), not your own opinion.
  2. Consider the following statement: "The emergence of the cell phone was inevitable; today's society is highly mobile and it was the next logical step from the regular telephone." In your essay, answer both of these questions: (1) what theoretical perspective(s) that we have discussed in class and in our readings are represented in this statement, and (2) defend or oppose this statement using support from our readings and lectures. Note: there is no right answer for defending or opposing this statement. A successful answer will provide a clear argument and cite evidence from our course materials.
  3. Using the Social Constructivism theoretical framework discussed in the readings and lectures, discuss how this theoretical perspective could be used to inform design decisions in new or emerging information technologies, OR, demonstrate why this perspective is not useful for informing design decisions. Support your answer with material from our readings and lectures.