Fall 2026 Courses

Intro to Information Studies | ILS 10000

Victoria Dawkins

Introduction to Information Studies will provide a foundation for navigating and engaging with the information-rich world. Students will define and assess information in order to address real-world situations; map their information landscape and effectively engage with information systems as well as human sources of information; develop a practice of critical and ethical information use; and conceptualize, apply, and examine the strategies for information and knowledge management, production, and dissemination. Students will examine the societal impact and implications of information and information privilege to explore the applications and consequences of information, in addition to examining data practices and methods. This will provide students with an opportunity to strengthen their research and information literacy skills, reflect in an informed and critical manner, and give them the tools to successfully make ethical, evidence-based decisions in the academic and professional context.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
DIS	29173-001	ASYNC ONLINE		3.0	Full Term

Intro Data Lifecycle Management | ILS 10300

Michael Witt | Wei Zakharov | Chao Cai

Introduces concepts of the management of data throughout its lifecycle. Understanding different types of data and their functions. Managing data in the context of a particular discipline or profession. Finding and evaluating data purposefully. Using data ethically and responsibly. Creating and sharing data for reuse, accountability, and enhancement. Making decisions and communicating using data, including data analysis and visualization. Protecting and archiving data. This course is currently required for and restricted to the Engineering in the World of Data Learning Community (LC). Additional sections are offered for students not in the LC.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	20215-LC1	M 12:30-1:20 PM	WALC 1087	1.0	Full Term
DIS	15094-001	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Full Term

Introduction to Museums and Archives | ILS 13200

Jo Otremba | Kirstin Gotway

This course is designed to be an introduction to the structures, history, theories, and professional practices in museums and archives. In addition to providing an overview, students will be equipped with a basic understanding of impact the future of cultural heritage fields. Students will learn valuable skills applicable to their individual career path, such as curatorial and archival literacy, verbal and written communication, and research best practices.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	25921-002	TTh 12:00-01:15 PM	STEW 462	3.0	Full Term

Preparing for Undergrad Research Experience | ILS 18000

JJ Sadler | Amy Childress

This course is for prospective Purdue undergraduate researchers who are interested in conducting undergraduate research or creative endeavors. Purdue students who have not already started an independent research project with a research mentor will learn valuable skills to market themselves to individuals and research programs. Throughout the course, students will develop components for a final application packet to submit to a research team or program they choose.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
DIS	19382-001	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Full Term

Research Immersion in Information Studies | ILS 19500

Samantha LeGrand | Heather Howard

This course is required for students in the Information Studies Research Accelerator LC (Learning Community). It provides an overview of information studies research topics, values, and methodologies. This includes topics such as AI ethics, misinformation in politics and healthcare, and social media culture. Students will be introduced to a variety of research approaches and methods used in the field of information studies, such as digital humanities (DH), geographic information systems (GIS), interviewing, and focus groups. In this course, students will develop the skills to ask research questions, select and apply appropriate methods, design research projects, and share with a community of fellow researchers. This class equips students with research thinking skills and prepares students for an optional research project in the spring semester, in which they will conduct original research and share their findings to make a lasting scholarly and societal impact.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	19812-LC1	TTh 03:00-04:15 PM	STEW 142	3.0	Full Term
LEC	30709-LC2	TTh 09:00-10:15 AM	STEW 142	3.0	Full Term

Data Science & Society: ELSI | ILS 23000

Annette Bochenek | Melissa Chomintra | Michael Fosmire | Jerilyn Tinio

This course provides an introduction to Ethical, Legal Social Issues (ELSI) in Data Science. Students will be introduced to interdisciplinary theoretical and practical frameworks that can aid in exploring the impact and role of Data Science in society. This is a writing intensive course. Students will work individually and on collaborative assignments.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	25605-009	TTh 03:00-04:15 PM	KRAN G010	3.0	Full Term
DIS	22853-002	ASYNC ONLINE		3.0	Full Term
DIS	29249-008	ASYNC ONLINE		3.0	Full Term
DIS	29248-007	ASYNC ONLINE		3.0	Full Term

AI Information Strategies | ILS 23100

Jing Lu | Zoeanna Mayhook

This course introduces students to the practical evaluation and application of AI tools. Students will learn the basic functions of algorithms, their potential for bias, and critically investigate the application of AI in various disciplines, gaining valuable skills in evaluating the strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI tools. Through hands-on activities, students will develop the ability to apply AI strategically in their respective fields. The skills gained in evaluating the application of AI tools will empower students to confidently learn and apply new AI tools in the future. The course is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds who seek to explore the evolving role of AI in navigating today’s complex information landscape.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
DIS	25449-001	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Weeks 1-8
DIS	25450-002	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Weeks 9-15

Intro to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | ILS 25000

Innocensia Owuor

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) plays an important role in many disciplines as a tool for data management, query, visualization, and analysis. It can be used for natural resource management, environmental studies, agriculture, as well as social and political studies. This course will introduce students the basic knowledge about GIS, including the fundamental concepts of GIS, data models and management strategies, as well as some basic spatial analysis skills. Practical work will be introduced and completed using Esri ArcGIS Pro software.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	30331-016	M 12:30-01:20 PM	BRNG 1222	3.0	Full Term
REC	30330-015	W 10:30-11:20 AM	RHPH 316		Full Term
LAB	30332-017	W 11:30-01:20 PM	RHPH 316		Full Term

Understand Undergrad Research I | ILS 28000

JJ Sadler | Amy Childress

This course is for current Purdue undergraduate researchers to hone skills necessary for successfully reflecting on and completing the experience. During this course, students will utilize their research experience to apply skills such as managing time with a research project, communicating your research, utilizing Purdue Libraries’ resources, and providing feedback to peer researchers. Students will deliver research pitches about their own project and provide critiques to others’ pitches.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
DIS	18249-001	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Full Term

SPIRaL Pt 1: Commencing Info Literacy Research | ILS 33500

Clarence Maybee | Rachel Fundator

Over the course of a year-long research experience, SPIRaL undergraduate researchers engage in original research to investigate how information literacy–in its many forms–can inform real-world solutions to contemporary information challenges, such as mis/disinformation. In the first half of the semester, SPIRaL students will explore the information literacy literature to build a foundation for our research this year. In this early part of the semester, students will be introduced to the different views scholars have of information literacy, the various research approaches they employ, and the range of real-world information challenges information literacy researchers attend to with their research. Students will use the insights from the existing information literacy and information challenges research to inform the research study they will carry out over the year. In second half of the semester, students will commence original research that addresses a need or gap in the literature. Students will apply data collection methods and reflect on the affordances of qualitative research approaches in pursuing knowledge about information literacy’s role in addressing information challenges.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	21315-001	TTh 01:30-2:20 PM	STEW 142	2.0	Full Term

Understand Undergrad Research II | ILS 38000

JJ Sadler | Amy Childress

This course is for current Purdue undergraduate researchers to build upon the previous course and focus on research data collection, presentation, and communication for current Purdue undergraduate researchers. During this course, students will learn and discuss various forms of data and collection practices. Students will develop their own academic poster to present their research project’s data and implications. Students are encouraged to present their poster at one of Purdue’s undergraduate research conferences near the end of the semester.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
DIS	19393-001	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Full Term

AI for Communication, Info, and Productivity | ILS 39500

Jing Lu

This course introduces students to practical applications of artificial intelligence for communication, information use, and productivity in academic, professional, and personal contexts. Students will explore how AI shapes the way information is created, organized, shared, and evaluated, gaining hands-on experience with tools for writing, presentations, collaboration, project management, and workflow automation. Alongside applied practice, the course emphasizes critical examination of AI’s role in information practices, including issues of bias, misinformation, authorship, and ethics, preparing students to engage responsibly and effectively with AI in an information-rich world.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	29767-001	TTh 03:00-04:15 PM	UNIV 101	3.0	Full Term

Info Strategies for Health Professionals | ILS 45500

Andrea Hayes

So you want to go to medical school or veterinary school, or become a chiropractor, dentist, public health specialist, osteopath, occupational therapist, physical therapist, physician’s assistant, or get a PhD and do clinical research. Take this course to develop critical information skills to support your professional goals and prepare you for graduate or professional school. Show up on day one of professional or graduate school knowing how to navigate PubMed and other databases, differentiate between various types of research articles, and save and organize articles so you can easily locate them, “cite while you write,” and share articles with your classmates or research group.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
DIS	26704-001	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Weeks 1-8

Beyond Undergrad Research | ILS 48000

JJ Sadler | Amy Childress

This course is for current Purdue undergraduate researchers to build on previous courses and focus on continuing their education in graduate or professional school. During this course, students will learn and discuss the various phases of identifying, selecting, applying to and funding graduate or professional school programs. Students will also gain a deeper comprehension of the qualities and skills that make research mentors effective while developing skills they will need to be successful mentees and peer mentors. Students will conduct research to identify potential programs of interest and develop a statement of purpose.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
DIS	19396-001	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Full Term

Peer Mentor Training | ILS 48100

Amy Childress | JJ Sadler

This course is for current Purdue undergraduate researchers who want to learn how to serve as peer mentors to undergraduate researchers early in their careers. This course will train students on how to create mutually beneficial and productive mentorships. This course will provide research-based best practices for mentoring newer student researchers while developing as a cohort of new research mentors. This course is especially useful for those students who enjoy supporting peer researchers or plan to continue into more formal mentorship roles as a senior undergraduate researcher, graduate student, or research supervisor in academia or industry. Must be a current undergraduate researcher.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
DIS	20003-001	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Full Term

Info Strategies for STE Research | ILS 51200

Dave Zwicky

This course focuses on information strategies for successful research in science, engineering, and technology disciplines. Students will learn about how scholarly information and discipline relevant grey literature (e.g., patents, technical standards) are created, organized, disseminated, retrieved, and managed. In addition, students will learn strategies to critically evaluate information and present their research effectively and ethically.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
DIS	29197-001	ASYNC ONLINE		1.0	Full Term

Info Skills for Health Professionals | ILS 51400

Paige Bradshaw

This course is designed to help you develop essential information skills to support your professional goals and prepare you to succeed in graduate or professional school in the health sciences. Learn how to navigate PubMed and other subject-specific databases, and differentiate between various types of research articles. Become adept at saving, organizing, and annotating articles so you can easily locate them, “cite while you write,” and share them with your classmates or research group. Prepare for writing for publication. And avail yourself of the resources and services academic libraries provide, beyond books and journals, to support your coursework and research. Permission from department or instructor required.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	22793-001	MW 09:30-10:20 AM	WALC 3045	1.0	Weeks 1-8

Critical GIS: Theory and Applications | ILS 54000

Melissa Chomintra

This course will provide students with a critical overview of the role power, culture, justice and injustice, and oppression have played in the practice and history of cartography. In this hands-on course students will learn the basic GIS skills and techniques that will help them understand place and space through critical theories of race, gender, sexuality, indigeneity, class, ability, colonialism, and the State. We will engage theoretical texts on mapping and social justice to identify how GIS and maps can expose and resist oppression and inequality. Students will apply critical theory through the practice of critical cartography to analyze a course-related topic of their choosing and use GIS tools to create an original project. Students will move away from the traditional research paper and engage with a digital research platform that enhances research impact and scholarship reach while applying such tools to interrogate the power dynamics contained within them. It provides the opportunity to serve as a tool for community collaborations in social activism as a shareable document. This class is designed to offer an interdisciplinary approach to place-based research and its connections to social justice.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	31533-002	T 11:30-01:20 PM	WALC 3049	3.0	Full Term
LAB	31532-001	Th 12:30-01:20 PM	WALC 3049		Full Term

GIS Research Methods | ILS 59500

This course will introduce you the skills of spatial thinking, basic functions of Geography Information Systems (GIS), and spatial research methods that are most relevant to humanities and social science. The course will start with introduction to basic GIS concepts and technology, then move onto GIS applications during research process, including spatial research design, data acquisition, management, visualization, and spatial analytical techniques. The course will use a combined lecture and lab style for most of the classes. In general, there will be a 30-40 minutes lecture period, followed by a 30-40 minutes hands-on lab period. Practical work will be introduced and completed using ESRI ArcGIS Pro software.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	26713-002	TTh 12:00-01:15 PM	WALC 3045	3.0	Full Term

Visual Media for the Workplace | ILS 59500

Sarah Huber

Visual media is an ever-increasing medium that includes PowerPoints, poster projects, data visualizations, infographics, design drawings, and videos, among other forms of media. In this course, students will actively engage with visual literacy practices to make informed decisions when choosing visual media to communicate their message. Students will utilize design principles for impactful visuals, including accessibility practices, and apply ethical use of visual information, among other topics. Being able to read and create visual images, as well as work effectively in a team environment, is a professional skill highly demanded by the workforce. This course will not only prepare students to communicate effectively through visuals for their program-specific coursework, but also enhance their competency to enter the workforce.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	26710-001	TTh 01:30-02:45 PM	WALC 3045 & 3049	3.0	Full Term

Digital Humanities Foundations | ILS 63000

Spencer Stewart

This course will provide a sweeping introduction to many of the tools and concepts central to the Digital Humanities. DH is a newer area of study, supplementing the study and teaching of the humanities and social sciences with computing tools that provoke new questions. The course is divided into two concurrent tracks: 1) One session per week will be spent discussing readings about the central debates within the field in discussion-based lecture periods and exploring existing DH projects to gain familiarity with contemporary work; 2) Students will also learn to apply software tools to their home disciplines in weekly lab sessions where students will be required to reconceptualize their research into datasets with an eye toward building an original digital project or exhibit. There are no pre-requisites, and graduate students and advanced undergraduates are welcome from any department. While there are no technical skills required, students should know the basics of their chosen computer interface as we will be downloading software and navigating file paths.

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TYPE	CRN-SECTION	WHEN	WHERE	CREDITS	WEEKS
LEC	21460-001	W 11:30 AM-01:20 PM	STEW 142	3.0	Full Term
LAB	26001-002	W 01:30-02:20 PM	STEW 142		Full Term