LIBR 287
Designing Information Products for a Global Audience
Fall 2004

Linda Main
E-mail: lmain@slis.sjsu.edu
Room E104 (in SJ)
Phone: (408) 924-2494

Office Hours:
Virtually by e-mail
In person by appointment

GREENSHEET

Course Overview

People use or manipulate an information product such as a database or a Web site in order to accomplish a particular goal. Perception of a product or Web site however is affected by cultural differences associated with, for example, design layout, use of color and animation, and information content. Different cultures look for different data to make decisions.

This course is designed to expand the student's awareness of both the cognitive knowledge and the skill necessary to effectively evaluate and /or design information products for culturally diverse populations within the United States and beyond.

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

• Define what is meant by "culture"
• Understand models of cultural competence
• Understand the impact of culture on practice
• Apply the above in designing cultural markers for specific groups

Blackboard

The class will run on Blackboard.

IMPORTANT: Peoplesoft and Blackboard are not related. You sign up for the class on Peoplesoft using the permission number sent you by the SLIS Office. In August contact the instructor by e-mail (lmain@slis.sjsu.edu) for the code which will enable you to access the class content, materials, and assignments which are on Blackboard.

You will be able to use the Blackboard access code effective from Monday 23 rd August.

Modules

The course will be taught in a totally online environment as a series of six modules. Each module will consist of a Real Audio lecture (you will need the Real Player 10); a handout summarizing the issues discussed in the lecture; and an assignment consisting of questions arising from the lecture and the handout.

Module One

The Importance of Culture; Terminology

Module Two

Cultural Models

Module Three

Subjective Cultural Considerations

Module Four

Objective Cultural Considerations

Module Five

Understanding Writing Systems

Module Six

Considering Navigation Issues

Assignments

 A. Six assignments associated with the modules – each assignment due after the end of the modules listed above.

B. Mid-term project

 The mid-term project will consist of the preparation of a cultural profile of a population group selected from within the United States. Choose one of the following:

Native Americans; African Americans; Jewish Americans; Latinos (Mexican American; Puerto Rican; or Cuban American); Arab Americans; Asian Americans (Japanese; Chinese; Filipino; Korean; Vietnamese; Cambodian; Indian; or Hmong)

C. Final project

I will assign each student a country. You will come up with characteristics – a blueprint of cultural markers -that must be considered before an information product should be designed for that culture.

You will apply the culture models and all the issues discussed in the lectures. Summaries of final projects will be placed on a class bulletin board.

Grading

• Module One: 5 points
• Module Two: 15 points
• Module Three: 10 points
• Module Four: 10 points
• Module Five: 10 points
• Module Six: 5 points
• Mid-Term Project: 15 points
• Final Project: 30 points

Late assignments will not be accepted. If you have an illness (medical certificate supplied) or a family tragedy please contact the instructor. No incompletes will be awarded.

Read the SJSU Academic Integrity Policy
http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf

Top of Page