A complex information-intensive society presents ethical issues, such as access, intellectual property, freedom of expression, privacy, security and human rights, among others that require critical reflection. This service-learning course serves as a forum to discuss, learn and understand these ethical challenges of a multicultural information society that inform our societal, professional community and individual views, and impact our professional practice, decision making and public policy. An applied ethics approach is used to understand ethics in practice, the challenges presented in a dynamic multicultural user environment and the transformation that accompanies it in a rapidly changing world. This course also focuses on the role of information studies students in supporting equity of information access by utilizing campus resources, including their academic skills.

Description

A service-learning course that serves as a forum to discuss, learn and understand the ethical challenges of a multicultural information society that shape societal, professional community and individual views, and impact professional practice, decision making and public policy.

Course Goals

(1) To introduce students to the meaning of ethics and what it means to be ethical from multiple perspectives: societal, professional and personal;
(2) To acquaint students with the purpose of a professional code of ethics;
(3) To have students recognize an ethical dilemma, examine it critically, apply a code of ethics, using a decision making model, to solve an ethical dilemma;
(4) To use service-learning to help students understand the importance of community collaboration and outreach in order to address equity of information access;
(5) To provide students with the opportunity to address information needs of underserved groups; and
(6) To have students examine information ethics issues and policy developed to address them.

Learning Objectives

1. Students will study various ethical frameworks and develop a personal approach to being an ethical information professional.
2. Students will use service learning experiences to develop their understanding of issues of equity and information services in diverse and/or underserved communities.
3. Students will develop a critical perspective of diversity and information practices.
4. Students will learn about strategies for effecting change in information institutions.
5. Students will consider approaches to advocacy and social justice in the information professions.

Evaluation/Grading

S/U Letter Grading.
* Service Learning (20 hours required)
* Journal (30%)
* Paper (40%)
* Class attendance, discussion and presentation (30%)

Instructional Method

This class will incorporate a mixture of lecture, discussion, in-class exercises and student presentations. Students are expected to attend classes regularly and actively engage in class discussions. Student participation is vital to the learning process and the exchange of ideas.

Readings and Information Resources

Please see reading list and other recommended materials on this syllabus. Additional resources are found in the Bibliography on the course website: http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/chu/edc. Relevant materials will be on reserve in the MIT Lab.