2003-2005 - Special Collections - University of Baltimore

IDlA 642 Research Methods for
Interaction Design (3) Introduces the
chief methods for studying users' interactions
with sof[Ware and information
resources. h encompasses both quantitative
and qualitative methods, including analysis
of logs, indirect observation, uaditional
usabiliry studies, and ethnographic techniques.
Prerequisite: PBDS 660 or a passing
score on the Hypermedia Proficiency Exam.
Lab fee required.
IDlA 644 Ethnography of DigitaI
Culture (3)* Contemporary information
technologies are often said w be immersive,
creating distinnive, and highly detailed
vinuaJ experiences. Thus the discipline of
ethnography, which teaches researchers w
undemand sociaJ aniviry through
immersive exposure, seems panicularly
appropriate w the study of digitaJ cuhures.
Emnographic anaJysis provides powerful
wols for experienced designers and usabiliry
researchers who seek w understand how
communication systems deeply affect individuaJs
and societies. This course introduces
the foundations and basic methods
of ethnography and looks at severaJ applications
of this discipline w current communications
pranices. Assignments center
on field work and other applied activities.
IDlA 730 Thesis/Project (6)* Preparation
of a work of original research or a substantiaJ
interanive or interface project
displaying pranicaJ knowledge of relevant
research. In this 6-credit course, each student
develops a substantial projen or produces
a master's level thesis. Projens and
research are presented w program faculry
for critique. Prerequisite: PBDS 660 or a
passing score on the Hypermedia Proficiency
Exam. Lab fee required. Permission ofprogram
director required.
IDlA 750 Special Topics (3) Intensive
exploration of wpies in hypermedia, information
architecture, or interanion design
of mutuaJ interest w students and faculry.
Course may be repeated for credit when
wpic changes. Prerequisite: PBDS 660 or a
passing score on the Hypermedia Proficiency
Exam. Lab fee required.
Information Systems (lNSS)
Information Systems (INSS) courses are
offered by the Merrick School ofBusiness.
INSS 610 Information Systems
Techniques (3) Explores the fundamentaJ
meories, concepts and principles of information
systems in organizations. Emphasizes
undemanding how information
syscems are used in organizations and the
need for managing information resources.
Examines the role of meories, concepts and
principles in anaJyzing and solving praccicaJ
problems.
INSS 640 Information Systems and
Technology (3) Applications of information
systems and technology across organizationaJ
rypes and business functions-how
managers can get and use information.
Examines interactions be[Ween informacion
syscems and omer organizationaJ systems.
Topies include: redesigning business processes
mrough new technologies; exchanging
informacion with suppliers, cuscomers
and competiwrs; developing corporate culture
with group support systems; underscanding
and exploiting emerging
technologies; the pocentiaJ of information
systems w promoce competitive advantage;
and the sociaJ and emical impans of growing
informacion systems use. Prerequisite:
Graduate standing.
155