PREREQUISITES:
MAS students: Completion of the MAS Core courses, plus permission of the instructor.
MLIS and Dual students: Some electives can be taken in conjunction with the MLIS Core courses; consult with the MLIS Program Chair for recommendations.
GOAL: The course provides the opportunity to develop a conceptual understanding of intellectual freedom in librarianship, develop practical skills to navigate related issues and engage professionally with difficult topics. It frames commitment to intellectual freedom as a core professional value in librarianship.
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand, reflect on, and articulate the relationship between intellectual freedom and human rights.
- Understand, reflect on, and apply core ethical principles of intellectual freedom to issues of professional practice.
- Articulate and critically engage with intellectual freedom issues in national and international contexts.
- Develop skills in the practical application of principles of intellectual freedom in librarianship.
- Collaborate effectively with peers through course assignments and in-class activities.
CONTENT:
- Intellectual Freedom: Concepts & Historical Contexts
- Advocacy and Preparation
- Intellectual Freedom and Social Justice
- Intellectual Freedom and Information Professions
- Access & Privacy
- Copyright
- Policies
- Free Speech/Hate Speech
- Pro- and Anti- Censorship Arguments
- Banned & Challenged Materials and Funding
- Workplace: Meeting Rooms, Displays, Speech