58127 Information Cultures

Students are introduced to the conceptual and methodological tools they need to actively engage with the organisations and communities they will work with in the information, communication and creative industries. They develop a critical understanding of the complex interrelationship between people, information, knowledge and culture and of the central role of theory and research in effective professional practice. The subject introduces students to theories and empirical research from a range of disciplines including information behaviour, communication theory, philosophy and sociology, as well as to a range of research methodologies for exploring and analysing both individual and collective information/knowledge behaviour and practices. Students apply their theoretical and methodological learning to the development of a practice-based pilot research project. In doing so, students develop an appreciation of the importance of practice-based research as the basis for research-based professional practice. Students make further contributions to their ePortfolio.