Allison Carr
Social Sciences Librarian
(760) 750-4337
acarr@csusm.edu
Office: KEL 3425
Fall 2006 Office Hours: T 3-4, W 10-11

MODULE DESCRIPTION

Students will learn the skills required to conduct research at a college level, which once mastered, will foster the ability to access, evaluate, and communicate information effectively. The module will introduce students to a variety of research methods and information formats, which will help develop critical thinking skills and the creation of effective research strategies.

MODULE OBJECTIVES

1. Become familiar with the physical layout of the library as well as the types of library materials and services available.
2. Understand classification in an academic library and the usefulness of controlled vocabulary.  Use and understand commands of the on-line catalog and be able to identify the parts of a record.
3. Gain knowledge of the types of subject-specific reference sources available and understand how to use them.
4. Learn to find an article using an index.  Become familiar with the different formats of indexes available including print and electronic.
5. Become familiar with types of information available on the Internet; effectively use directories, indexes and various search engines.  Identify characteristics of an authoritative website.
6. Be able to critically evaluate information for usefulness, bias, currency and authority.
7. Use a style manual to correctly document information sources in many different formats.
8. Understand and effectively communicate the steps required for effective research, including formulating a thesis, creating a search strategy using a variety of sources.

GRADING

There are six classroom sessions plus outside work for this module totaling 150 points.
Complete all assignments as dated as late work will be worth zero (0) points.
Plagiarized work is worth zero (0) points and will be referred to the Dean of Students.
           
POINT DISTRIBUTION (150 points total)
In-Class Activities/Attendance: 30 points (5 points per day)
Homework: 60 pts (3 assignments, 20 points each)
Final Project: 50 pts
Final Quiz: 10 pts

WEB PAGE   http://library.csusm.edu/course_guides/gel/GELcarr/kornherf06.asp 

LIBRARY DAYS (Come directly to this room!) We will be in KEL 3400 for all 6 meetings.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Homework due September 28 Search statement video and quiz – 20 points
2. Homework due October 5 Scholarly article – 20 points     
3. Homework due October 12 Plagiarism quiz – 20 points
4. Final Project due October 12 - 50 points

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Ask for help if you don’t understand something or are having difficulty, especially if you have special needs or internet access problems. I make myself available many more hours than just a weekly office hour and do check email and phone frequently.
  Note: The Office of Disabled Student Services provides a variety of services and resources to students. Students with disabilities should contact me immediately to ensure appropriate accommodations are made during the Library Module.
• Use your own words—copying another’s work and presenting as your own will get you ZERO on assignments, as will turning in the exact same answer as a classmate when working together. You may work as a group or team on some assignments, but answers are to be in your own words. Plagiarism on the final project will earn you a ZERO for the entire module.
• Use the Writing Center if your grammar or overall writing needs help. Your grades are affected by how well you write. I will not correct misspellings, etc., but points are deducted for constant errors, lack of proof-reading, and poor expression of your concepts or thoughts.
• This Syllabus, as with any, is subject to change due to emergency or act of Nature.