GEL 101 Library Module
Homework Assignments

Each homework assignment and each in-class assignment is worth 5 points towards your library module.
All assignments must be typed and printed out, and handed in ON TIME.
Include your name and "Homework assignment #__" at top of page.
 

Homework assignment #1
due 2/23,

• Write down the value that you are focusing on.  Choose the real-world example of failure to follow this value which you will write your paper on.  Once the topic is chosen, the decision will be final.
• List at least five words or phrases (search terms) that you will be using to search for this topic.
• Read the handout provided: a selection from Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes.

Homework assignment #2
due 2/25,

• Find a Website on your topic by using either a search engine or a directory
• Go to the Course Guide  Web Evaluation websites.
• Click on the last one from Widener University
• Click on the link on the left that says: Original Web Evaluation
• After you decide which type of website you have, use the checklist for that type of website (look on the left bar) and evaluate that site.
• Using the Library's APA quick summary guide, cite the website in APA style.
  
  Examples:
  
  Author A.A. (year). Title of page. Retrieved Month Day Year from http://address.of.site.
  
  Kenneth, I. A. (2000). A Buddhist response to the nature of human rights. Retrieved
         February 20, 2001, from http://www.cac.psu.edu/jbe/twocont.html
  
  American Psychological Association. (2001). Stress in school: research review.
          Retrieved September 19, 2001, from http://www.apa.org/elecref/elecref.html
  
  Author unknown (n.d.) The Coolest site ever known. Retrieved March 7, 2005 from
          http://coolest.site.ever.known.html

Homework assignment #3
due 2/28,

• Using a search engine, find one website relevant to your topic. 
• Provide the URL, the party responsible for the site (author or organization), the search string used to find it, and a brief explanation of how this relates to your topic.
  
  Example:

• Using one of the following online subject directories, find one website relevant to your topic.

Google Directory

Open Directory Project

Internet Public Library

• Provide the URL, the party responsible for the site (author or organization), the directory heading it is located under, and a brief explanation of how this relates to your topic.

        Example:

• Answer the following questions:  Which search technique (search engine vs. directory) produced the best results?  Which was easiest to use?  Why do you think this is?

Homework assignment #4
due 2/30,

• Using the CSUSM library catalog, find one book relevant to your topic. 
• Cite the book in APA format  (use this citation guide for examples of how to cite books)
• Provide the following information about the book from the catalog
  • Call number
  • Location in the library
  • Subject headings

Homework assignment #6
due 3/5,

• Find 1 scholarly journal article from one of the CSUSM databases that is relevant to your topic.
• Cite the article in APA format (use this citation guide for examples of how to cite journal articles from a database)
• Explain in a few sentences how you will use this article to support an argument in your paper.

Homework assignment #7
due 3/7,

• Read the plagiarism tutorial located at http://library.csusm.edu/plagiarism/index.html. 
• Complete all three (3) checkpoints on the tutorial.  Email the results to dschmitt@csusm.edu (using the email feature at the bottom of the tutorial).
• Be sure to include your name at the top of the checkpoints.
• Tutorial must be completed by class time Wednesday for full credit.

Final Assignment - DUE March 9

Bibliography of sources used in your paper.

• Bibliography of a minimum of five sources that are used in your paper.  The five sources must include (at least) two scholarly articles.  One of the other three sources must be a print source (a book).  These may include monographs, subject encyclopedia or other reference work.
• Use correct APA style for your bibliography.
• Write one paragraph for EACH source, evaluating the information and explaining why it is a valid source of information.  Each of the following four topics must be covered:

  Authority:  Who is responsible for the content?  What are the author's qualifications?  Is there a parent organization?

  Accuracy:  Is the information detailed and comprehensive?  Does it list it's sources for presented information?  Are these sources reputable?

  Currency:  Is the date clearly indicated?  Is the information current?  If it is a Web source, when was it last revised?

  Objectivity:  Is the information presented with minimum bias?  Does it seem fair and balanced?  Is there a conflict of interest with regard to the author or responsible organization?