Time Schedule:
Kurt E. Engelmann
SIS 490
Seattle Campus
Content varies from quarter to quarter.
Class description
This course provides a thorough, basic introduction into the use of electronic media for Russian and International Studies: web browsers and pages, search engines, non-Latin character emulation, FTP site creation, newsgroups, real audio streaming, and automated mailing lists are some of the aspects of electronic media covered. The ACADEMIC and SCHOLARLY USE of electronic media for International Studies is emphasized. Russian and international examples are used primarily, but the students studying any world area are welcome.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
We meet in the "collaboratory" on the first floor of the Undergraduate Library. The first hour is devoted to lecture/presentation on some aspect of electronic media. The second hour involves a hands-on assignment. Each student has his/her own desktop computer. The goal is for students to be able to complete most of an assignment by the end of the class period. Cooperation and group projects are encouraged and required, respectively.
Recommended preparation
This course is aimed at the person who has minimal experience with the academic use of electronic media. Experience with an email program and familiarity with the "windows" environment (having more than one program open at the same time) are the only prerequisites for the course. Regular attendance, attentiveness to detail, assertiveness when something is unclear, application of one's imagination and intellect, and group communication skills will all help in this course.
Class assignments and grading
The assignments are a mix of step-by-step and open-ended exercises and projects. They usually focus on a particular aspect of electronic media and have a "follow along" aspect with target resources to analyze or use as models. Several assignments are sequenced and build upon each other. Weekly assignments are intended to be fairly short and allow students to incorporate their own scholarly/academic interests. The end-of-term project will require more thought and energy than weekly assignments.
There are NO GRADES given in this course. All assignments are accepted or rejected on a SATISFACTORY/UNSATISFACTORY basis. The course can be taken for CREDIT/NO-CREDIT only. If assignments are not done satisfactorily, they are returned for resubmission.
