Information Studies

This major, using a variety of perspectives, enables students to use, critically analyse, reflect on and transform the rapidly changing information systems in society.

Major Study: A major study in Information Studies for the Bachelor of Arts degree is available by undertaking the following program. If required subjects in particular strands are not available, please see the coordinator of the major for advice on appropriate alternatives.

A major in Information Studies is an interdisciplinary program of core and optional subjects of between 60 and 76 credit points, depending on the course strands chosen by the student. It includes at least 24 credit points at 300 level. Subjects are drawn from the Faculties of Arts, Commerce, Informatics and Law.

Number	Subject	Credit Points
Core
CCS105	Introduction to Communication and Cultural Studies	6
CSCI102*	Introduction to Information Technology B	6
STS128	Computers in Society	6
or
STS228	Computers in Society	8
Note: students who have not completed NSW HSC 2 (60 or better) or 3 unit computing studies or equivalent, normally require CSCI101 as a prerequisite to CSCI102. Students who are uncertain about this requirement should consult the Undergraduate Co-ordinator in Information Technology and Computer Science.
Options Two of the following strands must be completed, but students cannot count both strand 2 and strand 5.
Strand 1
All of the following:
CCS223	Introduction to Publishing Studies: Print	8
CCS225	Introduction to Electronic Publishing	8
CCS335	Electronic Cultures	8
and
CCS348	Television, Globalisation and Cultural Identity	8
or
CCS357	Television Cultures	8
Strand 2*
All of the following:
IACT201	Information Technology and Citizens' Rights	6
IACT202	The Structure and Organisation of Telecommunications	6
IACT301	Information and Communication Security Issues	6
IACT303	Worldwide Networking	6
Strand 3*
LAW100	Law in Society	6
and two of the following:
LAW331	Intellectual Property Law	6
LAW348	Media Law	6
LAW487	Special Topic in Law	6
or
LAW488	Special Topic in Law	6
Note: Students choosing LAW331 normally need to have taken LAW210. Note: Students choosing LAW487/488 should consult with the Dean of Law about a topic appropriate to this major.
Strand 4 Three of the following subjects, including at least two at 300-level
POL224	Politics and the Media	8
STS229	Scientific and Technological Controversy	8
or
STS329	Scientific and Technological Controversy	8
and one of the following:
STS240	Technological Change, Popular Culture and New Media	8
or
STS340	Technological Change, Popular Culture and New Media	8
STS288	Science and the Media	8
or
STS388	Science and the Media	8
Strand 5*
All of the following:
BUSS211	Systems Analysis and Design	6
BUSS212	Database Management Systems	6
BUSS311	Advanced Database Management Systems	6
BUSS312	Distributed Information Systems	6

* Note: these subjects are not taught by member units of the Faculty of Arts, and therefore are not included in the 36 credit points of Arts Faculty subjects students need to complete for the Arts degree.

Additional Information:
Students are strongly encouraged to take MGMT102 Communications as an elective.

Students completing the major may be considered for joint honours in the two disciplines which provided the specialist strands. To undertake honours in a single discipline students must have completed the requirements of a major in that discipline.