Course Syllabus
LIR 10: Introduction to Information Literacy
Instructor: Pearl Ly
Email: ply@santarosa.edu
Course Dates: 10/9/17-11/19/17 (6 weeks), adjusted to 10/23-11/19/17 due to college closure
Course Description: An introductory course to learn and apply the skills needed to conduct research efficiently and effectively.
Recommended Preparation: Course eligibility for ENGL 1A and Course completion of CS 101A. Familiarity with basic computer operations, Internet, and email are recommended
Transferability: CSU; UC
Course Outline: https://portal.santarosa.edu/SRWeb/SR_CourseOutlines.aspx?Semester=20177&CVID=37480
Introduction
Students come to this class with varied experience and skill levels. I focus on teaching methods for finding and evaluating the vast amount of information available to today's students. It is important to note that computer skills do not always equate to information literacy skills. Are you information literate? Ask yourself if you know how to access and use the Library's subscription databases. Can you limit the results of a Google search to just government pages? Can you judge the difference between a credible and non-credible website? How well do you cite your sources?
As you read my expectations below use the opportunity to determine if this is the right section of LIR 10 for you. This is a short 1-unit class, however, there is a considerable amount of work because it is short. Be prepared to spend 2-3 hours each week going over the class material plus additional time as needed to complete assignments. Taking an online course is an exciting way to learn and exchange ideas, however it can be frustrating if you do not manage your time well. Online courses are not easier than face-to-face classes. If you are unfamiliar with the technology or if you are not self-disciplined, you may find this class challenging.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate the academic research process including selecting a topic, finding and evaluating appropriate resources and adhering to proper guidelines for citation of sources. Students will be able to:
1. Analyze a research need
2. Find information effectively and efficiently by using a variety of search techniques
3. Access needed information in multiple publication formats
4. Evaluate the quality and relevance of information sources
5. Recognize several ethical and legal issues related to the use of information
Instructor Contact
My preferred method of contact is by email at ply@santarosa.edu and please include “LIR 10” in the subject line. You can also contact me by phone (858-224-3422) or by appointment. I teach only online and am not available for face-to-face meetings. While I attempt to respond daily, please allow up to 48 hours.
Course Website
Students will use the Canvas course modules for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, discussing information issues with classmates', sharing resources, and viewing grades. This is an online course but it is not self-paced. Lessons are structured in Weekly modules. Weekly modules open on Monday mornings. The graded assignments for that week are due each Sunday. All Lesson materials remain open and available until the end of the semester.
Expectations
This 6-week course will be taught entirely online. The online format offers you flexibility in scheduling however it requires extra self-discipline and motivation. If this is your first time taking an online class or if you need assistance with Canvas, review the SRJC Learn Canvas Now website.
This class is highly condensed. You will need to schedule 3 hours per week to read the Lesson material, practice using tools and communicate in the Forum. This is equivalent to the amount of scheduled class time if we were in a face-to-face environment. In addition you may require extra time to complete Homework assignments.
Students must abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Dean of Conduct or dismissal from class or from the College. These Conduct standards also apply to acts of Academic Dishonesty. Any act of academic dishonesty, either intentional or unintentional, will result in a grade of "F" on that assignment. Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. Students are encouraged to share information and ideas, but not their work. See SRJC Writing Center Lessons on avoiding plagiarism.
If you need disability-related accommodations for this class--such as a notetaker, test-taking services, etc.--please provide me with the Authorization for Academic Accommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department as soon as possible. You may also speak with me privately by appointment about your accommodations. If you have not received authorization from DRD, it is recommended that you contact them directly. DRD is located in the Bertolini Student Center, 3rd Floor (707-527-4278) on the Santa Rosa campus, and Jacobs Room 101 on the Petaluma Campus. Every effort is made to conform to accessibility standards for all instructor-created materials. Students should contact me as soon as possible if they find that they cannot access any course materials.
Textbook
There are no textbooks to purchase for this course. The instructor provides materials for all weekly Lessons online.
- Access to the library's subscription online databases and resources from off campus require use of your Student ID and Pin These are the same ones that you use to register for classes. Use the reminder link on the main campus page if you have forgotten either of these numbers.
- The library's databases, Noodlebib and ArtStor, require two levels of authentication to access these resources from off campus. You will have to enter your Student ID and Pin number to access the databases but then you must also create a personal student account with your own passwords. The personal account is your student space in that online database where you can store personalized settings and citations.
- Students have access to all of the resources on site at both of the SRJC Libraries. You will need an activated Student ID Card in order to check out library materials, calculator or use items on reserve. Go to the circulation desk of the SRJC Doyle or Mahoney libraries to activate your student ID.
Technology Requirements
You will need:
- A computer with speakers or headphones for sound (You cannot complete coursework on a tablet, netbook, or smartphone)
- Internet capable of streaming video and a recently updated web browser (preferably Google Chrome available for download here).
- To be comfortable using email and uploading files.
- Access to and be comfortable using a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or OpenOffice
- These software files loaded on your computer.
Important Dates
Due Dates: Assignments are due by 11:59pm on Sunday of each week. The start and end dates for the weeks are listed on the Home page and the Calendar.
The DROP dates for a short course are different than those listed in the SRJC calendar of dates for the full semester. Check your student portal to view the dates specific to this course.
Dropping the Class
If you decide to discontinue doing work for this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it. You must contact the instructor if you fall behind or if you have circumstances that interfere with your ability to complete the work. It is strongly advised that you not miss more than one class/homework deadline. It is your responsibility to drop the class within the timeframe listed or risk getting a failing grade. I will only drop students who do not complete an assignment by the end of the first week.
The DROP dates for a short course are different than those listed in the SRJC calendar of dates for the full semester. Check your student portal to view the dates specific to this course.
Attendance
For face-to-face courses, students who fail to attend the first class meeting may be dropped by the instructor. For classes that meet online, students who fail to log on and show participation by completing one assignment by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time of the Sunday at the end of the first week of the class will be dropped by the instructor as a no show.
Pass‐No Pass (P/NP)
You may take this class P/NP. Dates for this course are listed in your student portal. You must decide before the deadline, and add the option through your student portal. Once you decide to go for P/NP, you cannot change back to a letter grade. If taking this class P/NP, you need at least 70% of the total class points and the Final is required of all students. Note: most students who complete all assignments in my class get an A or B.
Course Communication
I will send instructor emails through the student portal and/or post announcements on the Announcements page in Canvas throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences. It is important that you go to the Settings link in the Course Navigation Menu on the left and click on the Notifications to adjust settings to meet your needs.
The weekly Q&A Discussion is the place to ask for the assistance of your classmates and the instructor. Please keep all posts and emails directly related to class assignments.
I will check the Q&A Discussions and respond on Sundays and Wednesdays. I can guarantee responses on those days. Otherwise, I do my best to respond within 48 hours.
Make sure you maintain a valid email address on file with the college. It is your responsibility to maintain an active email account and update your information.
Class Participation
You set the time you "attend" class each week and use the materials. I respond weekly by giving feedback and assigning grades in the class Gradebook. A success tip from former students is to set a regular "class time" for yourself each week to:
- Read all parts of each of the weekly lessons. Most lessons are broken up into several separate parts. I will open the links for each week's lesson on Monday mornings. Lesson materials will stay open the entire semester. Each Lesson requires you to complete one or more activities and assignments. This shows your participation in class.
- Check your Grades. Assignments will only be graded after the deadline at the close of that week. Your course Grades will be based on Weekly Activities, Assignments, Forums and Final Exam
- Use the Question & Answer forum to ask ALL class related questions or comments and feel free to answer questions too. I always appreciate the help.
- IMPORTANT: It will take me several days to grade the Assignments- they are not graded automatically. I give grades and feedback in the Gradebook. If you see a zero or no grade it usually means I haven't graded that assignment yet. If you are late for a deadline, there may be lost points.
- The Final Exam is a short answer and multiple choice exam that requires you to analyze and reflect on the "Information Literacy" skills and concepts you have learned in the class and to complete an activity to show you can research an assigned topic.
Additionally, If you find a link that is not working please report it on the Question & Answer Forum. If you do not get a reply from me right away and you need to submit an assignment do your best to find an alternate link or if you cannot then submit the assignment with that question blank and a note about the broken link. I will not dock anyone points on an assignment if a link is not working correctly.
Late Policy
All assignments are due at 11:59 pm weekly on Sunday nights. See the Home page for the due date. Late submissions may result in lost points.
Grading Policy
Click the Grades link in Course Navigation on the left to keep track of your grades.
Keep in mind that although you can turn in assignments at any time during the week outlined in the schedule, I ONLY grade assignments after the deadline for that week. For example the week starts on Monday and you turn in your assignment first thing Monday morning--I will not start grading the assignment until the following Monday. I post all grades and comments in the Canvas gradebook.
| Assignment Points | Grading Scale |
|---|---|
|
4 Discussion Posts @ 20 points each: 80 points 4 Activities @ 60 points each: 180 points 3 Research Journals @ 100 points each: 300 points 1 Final Exam, 1 part @ 50 points + 1 part @ 70 points = 120 points Total: 680 points |
90-100%: A 80-89%: B 70-79%: C 60-69%: D 0-59% : F |
Topics by Week
| Weeks and Dates | Topic |
| Original start date: October 9-22 | College closure |
| Week 1: October 23-29 | Information creation as a process
|
| Week 2: October 30 - November 5 |
Research as inquiry, Searching as strategic exploration |
| Week 3: November 6 - 12 | Authority is constructed and contextual, Information has value |
| Week 4: November 13 - 19 | Scholarship as conversation |
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|