Course Syllabus
LIR 10 - Introduction to Information Literacy
The students in this class have varied experience and skill levels when it comes to information literacy. Some of you have been writing college research papers for several years, while others are completely new to the experience. Whatever your skill level, you may be surprised at what's involved in understanding the complex world of information. This class will give you enough material and practical experience to feel more confident in finding different types of appropriate information, assessing whether it's credible, and using it responsibly without plagiarizing.
When you read my expectations below, be sure to ask yourself 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 offered over a short period of time. . 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. A face-to-face class allows you to ask questions in person and get real-time responses whereas the online environment sometimes involves time delays in getting assistance. You will need to be more resourceful and to follow more written instructions. If you are unfamiliar with the technology, have difficulty with written instructions, or if you are not self-disciplined, you may find this class challenging.
It is your responsibility to complete the Week 1 assignments before the end of the first week of class, failure to do so means you will be dropped as a no show.
Course Description
An introductory course to learn and apply the skills needed to conduct research efficiently and effectively.
Completion of English 100A or higher and familiarity with basic computer operations, the Internet, and e-mail are recommended.
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. Identify several ethical and legal issues related to the use of information
Instructor Contact
The best way to contact me is by email or during my virtual office hour (via Canvas message or email). While I attempt to respond daily please allow up to 48 hours. If you e-mail me, please include "LIR 10" and your Section number in the subject line. Make sure you sign your e-mail message with your first and last name. If you want to ask a question that isn't private in nature, you can post a message to the class Q&A Forums under each week in the schedule. You can get answers from both me and other students which might be more efficient.
Email: kthornley@santarosa.edu
Office Hours (virtual): Thursdays 3-4pm. Office hours can take the form of video via Zoom, email, chat, or responses to forum questions.
Course Structure and Scheduling
Students will use the Canvas course modules for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, discussing information issues with classmates', sharing resources, and viewing grades. This is not a self-paced course. Lessons are structured in Weekly modules.
Weekly modules open on Wednesdays at noon (if the new week's lectures/assignments are not open -- please e-mail me to remind me!). The assignments for that week are due on SUNDAY for discussion posting and each Tuesday at 11:59pm for DISCUSSION REPLIES or other assignments. Deadlines are clearly marked! You may be able to see upcoming materials for future modules, but I will not make lectures, assignments or activities accessible until Wednesday at noon. All modules remain open and available until the end of the semester.
IMPORTANT: If you find a link that is not working please e-mail me directly to report it. You should give me the exact location of the broken link and the title of it otherwise I won't be able to find it. I will do my best to fix it as quickly as possible. For less urgent matters, please post a message on the Question & Answer Forum.
Recommendation for Success:
Set aside specific times when you will work on this class each week. That way you will be sure to stay on top of things. I recommend you identify 2 two- to three-hour blocks of time when you think you can work on this class uninterrupted. If that sounds like too much time for an online class, remember that you need time for a) reading lectures (analogous to attending a class) and b) completing assignments for class, including time to THINK about what you've just read/written/watched/heard. That's when the real learning takes place.
Schedule Changes:
I reserve the right to change the course syllabus and point values for specific assignments and activities at any time. If I do so, I will inform the class promptly via e-mail and on the class website. Therefore it is essential that you keep your current e-mail address on file by updating your SRJC profile in your student cubby any time you make a change to your contact information.
Expectations
This section will be taught entirely online. The online format offers you flexibility in scheduling however it requires extra self-discipline and motivation. Make sure that you don't miss assignment/quiz deadlines or get behind. The assignments build on each other and are used to create your term project.
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
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.
A Note on Online Classes and Student Conduct
In an online environment it is very important to be aware of the language you use. Keep in mind that this is a college level course that takes place online. When you communicate and write online in our class you should use appropriate academic language and not the casual language commonly used in social media and texting. Therefore it is important to take the time to write in full, grammatically-correct sentences, express your thoughts clearly, and with the awareness that because we aren't sitting together in the same room during class, we do not have access to non-verbal communication clues that help us understand each other.
Disability Resources
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 (DRD) as soon as possible. You may also speak with me privately during office hours about your accommodations. If you have not received authorization from DRD, it is recommended that you contact them directly. 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.
Your Time Commitment to this Class
This class is a highly condensed version of the full-semester LIR10 course! LIR 10 is a 1-unit course given in a 9-week format. When this class is taught face-to-face, there are 2 hours of lecture per week for 9 weeks, and homework (reading, viewing and practicing skills learned) that takes place outside of class.
Higher education guidelines and SRJC standards suggest there should be 2 hours of homework for every 1 hour of classroom lecture.
This means that you should be prepared to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week on this class. Some students will be able to complete work in less time, while others will require time above and beyond the 6 hours/week suggested.
If you are not prepared to devote 6 hours per week on this class, you should consider dropping it until you can make the recommended time commitment.
To learn more: Carnegie Unit (Links to an external site.)
Requirements for Student Work
Lecture Quizzes:
At the conclusion of most lectures there will be a short quiz to test your comprehension of the lecture material and to emphasize important concepts introduced in the lecture. Lecture quizzes will be opened when each weekly lecture is opened. All quizzes must be completed by the following Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. Only 1 attempt for each quiz will be allowed. No late quizzes will be accepted.
Assignments:
Assignments will vary from week to week. Generally, assignments will be building blocks used in creating your term project. It is important to keep up on weekly assignments as they are cumulative. Assignments will be opened weekly on Wednesday mornings at noon when each weekly lecture is opened. All assignments are due by the following Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. Late assignments will receive a 5% penalty per day after the deadline and will only remain open until 1 week after the deadline.
Grading Assignments:
It will take me several days to grade the Assignments--THEY ARE NOT GRADED AUTOMATICALLY. I give grades and feedback in the Gradebook. I never give a zero so if you see a zero or no grade it usually means I haven't graded that assignment yet. If you are late in completing an assignment, it may no longer be accessible. Get your assignments done on time.
Final Project:
The course project will be a 4 citation bibliography along with additional research information and is described in detail separately elsewhere in the top section of the class website. The final project is due on the last day of class. No late submissions of the final project will be accepted.
Final Exam:
The final exam will be a multiple choice answer exam. The final exam will be opened on Saturday, November 7th and must be completed by Sunday, November 8th at 11:59 p.m. Only 1 attempt at the final exam is allowed. No late submissions of the final exam will be accepted.
Assignment Logistics
Lectures: Each week there will be a weekly lecture with sections to read and watch. You should do this before you start on the assignments/activities.
Assignments: Each week will contain multiple assignments with point values that contribute to your final grade. Weekly assignments will always include a "Discuss" activity.
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.
Required Software
You will need to :
- Have regular access to a computer for the class.
- Regular and reliable access to the Internet.
- Be comfortable using email, doing basic computer operations (creating, opening, saving files and organizing them into folders) and uploading files.
- Have access to and be comfortable using a word processing program such as Microsoft Word (JC students have access to Microsoft Office products for free).
- Google Docs is a good substitute for MS Word.
- Other free word processing software: Open Office
- Have these software plugins loaded on your computer.
Important Dates
Due Dates: Discussion postings are due by 11:59pm on Sunday. Discussion replies and other assignments are due by 11:59pm on Tuesday of each week. The start and end dates for the weeks are listed in the title of each module.
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.
Click on this link for a list of important dates for this class.
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 TIME FRAME LISTED OR RISK GETTING A FAILING GRADE.
Attendance and Participation
You "attend" class each week by reading the Weekly Lecture Pages, completing the assignments on time and participating in the forums/discussions. Canvas keeps a student log of your activities that shows the extent of your activities on the class site.
According to SRJC attendance policy (Link to SRJC attendance policy online):
- Students are expected to attend (participate in) all sessions of an online course.
- Students may be dropped from any class when their absences exceed 10% of the total hours of class time.
If you fail to attend (participate) in the class for an entire week without contacting me in any way, you may well be dropped from the class. However, ultimately it is YOUR responsibility to drop the class by the deadline to avoid receiving a failing grade.
Participation is essential to an online class. You participate by raising good questions, sharing tips and discoveries, recommending web sites, and contributing to the discussions on our class forums. If you do not put in the hours required by this course (at least 6 hours per week), it will be very obvious from the quality of your participation.
Pass‐NoPass (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 you pass the course with a grade of C or better, you will get P.
Note: most students who complete all assignments in my class get an A or B.
Communication
The instructor will send 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 e-mails directly related to class assignments.
I will check the Q&A Discussions and will do my best to respond within 48 hours. I do not work on weekends.
Make sure you maintain a valid email address on file with the college. It is your responsibility to maintain an active e-mail account and update your information.
Late Policy
All assignments are due at 11:59 pm weekly on Tuesday nights. See the Module page for the due date. Late assignments (but not quizzes) are accepted up to 1 week after the deadline but will receive a 5% penalty per day after the deadline. I can only waive the late penalty if you have an incredibly good reason (e.g. medical emergency, urgent family concern). I have too many students in the class to be able to keep track of requests for extensions!
Grading Policy
Click the Grades link in Course Navigation sidebar on the left to keep track of your grades. (If you can't see the sidebar, click on the triple blue horizontal lines at the top to expand it.)
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 (and those assignments). I post all grades and comments in the Canvas gradebook.
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Your course grade is calculated on the accumulation of points. Here is a TENTATIVE breakdown of points. Total 400-470 points 1 Introduction Forum @ 10 points each = 10 points 12 Discussion Assignments @ 10-15 points each = 120-180 points 5 Research assignments @ 10-20 points each = 100 points 3 noodlebib citation assignments @ 10 points = 30 points 7 quizzes @ 10 points each = 70 points 1 Final multiple choice Exam = 40 points 1 Final Project = 40 points |
The total number of possible points is approximately 400. 90% and over = A |
Students who turn in all of the work in my class usually make an A or B. However you can take this class for Pass/No Pass if you prefer. To take the class P/NP, you must actively request P/NP through Admissions and Records. If taking Pass/No Pass you need at least 70% of the total class points including the Final which is required.