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IDS 101: Digital Lives & Futures

Logos of 5 social media systems or platforms

5 colorful logos of social media platforms --Pinterest has a red logo, Blogger has an orange logo, RSS feed uses a yellow logo, Facebook has a medium blue logo and Twitter has a bright blue logo.

Digital Lives & Futures

What are we getting from the internet, and what do we give it in return? In this colloquium we’ll explore the impact of digital media in our lives and society. Through experiential learning, creative work, reading and discussion, students will develop a deeper understanding of our dynamic media environment. Ultimately, we’ll consider possibilities for engaging, reshaping, and resisting digital technologies in order to build the futures we want.

        Course taught by: Cindy Richards                                      Colloquium Associate: Miranda Merrill

 

Composite iimage of 5 social media icons created by Gary M. Klein, 2024.

The Research Cycle

Explore Your Topic

1. Explore Your Topic

Before you settle on a topic, it's a good idea to do some background research first. The library is a great source for background information!

Refine Your Topic

2. Refine Your Topic

Now that you've done some background research, it's time to narrow your topic. Remember: the shorter your final paper, the narrower your topic needs to be.

Search for Sources

3. Search For Sources

After you've refined your topic, it's time to start searching for sources. Do you need books, articles, or something else?

Evaluate Your Sources

4. Evaluate Your Sources

It's always a good idea to evaluate sources before using them in your assignment. Do you need to have scholarly sources or the most recent research?

Writing Center

5. Write

Pull everything together to share your argument and your evidence. Tie ideas from your sources together with your own thoughts and analysis to make a compelling case.

Willamette University

Willamette University Libraries

Mark O. Hatfield Library
900 State Street.
Salem Oregon 97301
Pacific Northwest College of Art Library
511 NW Broadway.
Portland Oregon 97209