Textbook and Other Materials

Quaratiello, Arlene Rodda (2003) The College Student's Research Companion. 3rd ed. Neal-Schuman Publishers.

Course Description:

This course will provide an introduction to strategies and skills for locating, evaluating and using information resources.  Focus is on developing the following information literacy skills: understanding the research process; selecting and searching relevant print and electronic sources; and evaluating, organizing, and correctly citing the information found.

Course Format: 

The classroom sections:

The format will be primarily in-class lecture, demonstration, and hands-on computer use.  In addition, problem-solving exercises will be used throughout the semester.

The online sections:

The format will be entirely online using the WebCT software, websites, Powerpoint slides, handouts, and online chats.

Course Objectives:

Once you successfully complete this course you will be able to:  

·         Develop effective search strategies

·         Use a variety of information sources, such as reference materials, library online catalogs, periodical databases, and Web resources to find required information

·         Develop awareness of how to use the Internet to obtain authoritative information and the knowledge to evaluate that information

·         Become more confident and knowledgeable about utilizing the resources of an academic library.

•   Apply these skills and knowledge to your academic courses and in your professional and personal life.

Course Requirements and Grading

Grading Scale
A	180 - 200
B	160- 179
C	140 - 159
D	120 - 139
F	Below 120

Brief Explanation of Course Requirements

**For all assignments and projects, grades will drop by one letter grade for each day late. On the fourth day, students will receive an automatic F.

Weekly Discussions/ Attendance

The classroom sections:

Attendance and full participation at all sessions is expected.  Students are required to complete readings before each class session; instructors may quiz students on required readings.  Should you be unable to attend class, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed and your responsibility to get and turn in assignments.  If missing a class is unavoidable for you, don’t be afraid to talk to your instructor about your reason ahead of time – some absences from class will be excused.

The online sections:

Throughout the semester we will have short in-class exercises, online chats, and discussion periods in order to reflect on the research process and how information is used. If missing a chat is unavoidable for you, don’t be afraid to talk to your instructor about your reason ahead of time – some absences from chats will be excused.

(Thorough descriptions will be given when assigned)

Assignments (4)

There are four assignments scheduled throughout the semester. The topics they cover are:

The midterm project is the creation of an annotated bibliography on an instructor-approved topic of your choice.  You will be asked to correctly cite and describe five (5) of the most suitable resources for your specified topic. This project will require all of the search tools and evaluation criteria you have learned to this point.

The assignments and in-class exercises will help you seek out the most appropriate citations for your topic. 

Final Project

The final project is the creation of an annotated bibliography on an instructor-approved topic of your choice.  You will be asked to correctly cite and describe ten (10) of the most suitable resources for your specified topic. This project will require all of the search tools and evaluation criteria you have learned to this point.

The assignments and in-class exercises will help you seek out the most appropriate citations for your topic. 

Academic Integrity

From the 2006-2007 LMU Student Handbook:

"It is the aim of the faculty of LMU to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high
standard of integrity. The attempt of any student to present work as his/her own that
he/she has not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a very
serious offense and renders the offender liable to severe consequences and possible"
suspension.

 (Entire policy can be viewed at http://www.lmunet.edu/campuslife/sthandbook/2006_07handbook.pdf)

For each assignment, students will be required to fill out and sign the Certification of Authorship form, which reads:

INFL 100 Certification of Authorship

I certify that I am the author of this paper titled _____________________________________________ and that this paper was prepared by me specifically for this course.  I understand that falsification of information will affect my status as a student.

                                                 Student’s Signature                                           Date

                                ___________________________________       __________________

ADA Statement

Any Student with a disability should bring documentation for the disability to the ADA Compliance Officer in the Office of Student Services. When the documentation has been reviewed, a form will be completed stating the reasonable accommodations to be granted to the student with a disability.