Abstract:

This study investigated the course systems of 17 Information Architecture (IA) courses provided by 12 iSchools in North American based on a content analysis of their syllabuses available on the Web. The characteristics of the IA courses were summarized according to their basic information, teaching goals and topics, textbooks, and teaching methods. The results led to the reflection on the relationships between IA and relevant courses, course development status quo, and the influences of IA courses on students’ academic and professional career, which further provided some insight into the development of IA courses in China. It is suggested that IA courses should be separated from User Experience Design courses and prerequisite courses need to be provided. More classic books in the field of IA can be introduced as textbooks, and such topics as mobile IA and social IA added to the current course system. Undergraduate and graduate level courses should give importance to students’ abilities to conduct practical design and academic research respectively.

Key words: Information architecture, North American iSchools, Course, System, Syllabus