Course Title:
| Information Literacy and Research Methods | |
Course Materials:
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Distance education classes use hyperlinked modules in the WebTycho classroom.
Face-to-face classes use LIBS150-Information Literacy and Research Methods (UMUC, 2006), which includes the Learning Activities and the Research Log Projects as well as the Commentaries for the five modules. It is available to be purchased from a UMUC field representative at your local education center. | |
Course Description:
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An introduction to the research process and methods for retrieving information in a library or through online sources. Development of a research topic and the creation of effective strategies for finding relevant information are discussed and practiced. The following information literacy skills are emphasized: understanding the research process; selecting relevant print and electronic sources to answer research questions; effectively using Web search engines and UMUC Information and Library Service's electronic resources to find information; and evaluating, organizing, and correctly citing the information found. Credit for LIBS150 may not be earned through challenge exam or portfolio credit. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMP 111, LIBS 100, or LIBS 150. | |
Course Goals/Objectives:
After completing this course, you should be able to do the following:
* demonstrate an understanding of the research process
* select relevant print and electronic sources to answer research questions
* effectively use World Wide Web (Web) search engines and UMUC Information and Library Service's electronic resources to find information
* evaluate, organize, and correctly cite the information found
* integrate the new information into your understanding of the research question
* identify resources and services available in libraries | |
Course Introduction:
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In today's information-driven society, it is necessary to have the skills to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively. In this course, you will become familiar with search strategies for finding information in both print and electronic formats. You will learn about searching the free Web and proprietary resources, such as those available through UMUC's Information and Library Services.
You will gain an understanding of the steps involved in conducting research, including (1) identifying a research topic, (2) avoiding plagiarism, (3) evaluating the quality of information found, and (4) citing information properly. You will also learn about different types of libraries and library classification systems so you can use any library effectively. We will also introduce you to various information sources, including reference sources, periodicals, special collections, government information, and statistical sources.
The skills you acquire from this course will be useful to your research projects and assignments in other courses at UMUC or at other academic institutions as well as to your professional activities.
This course is divided into the following components.
- Module 1: Information and Libraries
- Module 2: The Research Process
- Module 3: Resources for Research
- Module 4: Evaluating and Selecting Your Sources
- Module 5: Academic Integrity and Documenting Sources
| |
Grading Information and Criteria:
Grades will be determined as follows:
Class Participation 30%
(quizzes, learning activities, class discussion)
Research Log Projects 40%
Final Examination 30%
Total 100%
The grading scale, based on 100 points, is as follows:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F Below 60 | |
Other Information:
Any other information the instructor wishes to add. This might include:
* General expectations of students, such as hours per week students should expect to devote to the class
* Turnaround time for faculty to respond to email and return papers
* Unique class procedures or activities (such as cooperative learning exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs)
* Supplemental objectives (such as development of skills like teamwork,
writing, oral presentation; integration of knowledge on focus topics)
* Optional activities such as study groups | |
Project Descriptions:
| Learning Activities
You are required to complete 11 learning activities for this course. In the face-to-face version of the class, the learning activities will be found at the back of the LIBS150 booklet you purchased. In the Distance Education (WebTycho) version, you will access the learning activities through the course modules.
Research Log Projects
In this course, you are required to complete two research log projects. The research log provides a systematic means to do research. In completing the research log projects, you will detail the processes you follow to:
- identify search terms
- conduct research
- find resources
- evaluate and cite resources properly
In the face-to-face version of the class, the research log projects will be found at the back of the LIBS150 booklet you purchased. In the Distance Education (WebTycho) version, you will access the instructions for completing the research log projects via the course modules. | |
Academic Policies:
| Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/ | |
Course Schedule:
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Day 1
Introduction to the course.
Read the Module 1 Overview, Objectives, and Commentary.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #1.
Complete and submit the Module 1 quiz.
Read the Module 2 Overview, Objectives, and Commentary.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #2.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #3.
Complete and submit the Module 2 quiz.
Read the Module 3 Overview, Objectives, and Sections I, II, and III of the Commentary.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #4.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #5.
Read Sections III and IV of the Module 3 Commentary.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #6.
Complete and submit the Module 3 quiz.
Begin Research Log Project #1.
Day 2
Read the Module 4 Overview, Objectives, and Commentary.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #7.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #8.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #9.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #10.
Complete amd submit the Module 4 quiz.
Read the Module 5 Overview, Objectives, and Commentary.
Complete and submit Learning Activity #11.
Complete and submit the Module 5 quiz.
Submit completed Research Log Projects #1 and #2.
Final Examination | |
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