Credit Course:
AL 201

Research in the Information Age, AL 201

an 8 week, 1 credit course (mostly online)

Register through Leo Online: Be sure to select "regular classes" as the type of class; then select ARTS AND LETTERS

Syllabus Preview

AL201:  Research in the Information Age,
Old Dominion University, College of Arts & Letters
Spring 2009

Credits: 1
8 weeks (course is accelerated, so it will "feel like" 2 credits worth of work)
Hybrid Course: Blackboard, with 3 mandatory in-class sessions in Library, Room 163: January 14, February 11 and March 4, 4:20 - 6:00pm
Pre- or co-requisites: none

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the flow and structure of information, how it is organized by libraries and database producers, and how it can be used in the research process.  Students will learn effective methods for identifying and acquiring a variety of research materials, with emphasis on the evaluation, citation, and ethical use of information sources.

Instructors

  1. Cynthia Wright Swaine, M.L.S., M.S. Ed.
    Perry Library, Reference & Research Dept., 1st floor
    cswaine@odu.edu / 757-683-4185
  2. Miriam Bridges, M.L.S., M.L.H.R.
    Perry Library, Reference & Research Dept., 1st floor
    mbridges@odu.edu / 757-683-4169

Course Objectives and Expectations

  1. Course objectives:
    • To familiarize students with the cycle of information and its use in selecting and using appropriate information resources
    • To provide students with effective research skills, including 
    1. choosing and refining a researchable topic
    2. applying the steps of good research strategy
    3. locating a variety of types of information resources, using major finding tools and digital libraries
    4. exploring and describing research database structures
    5. using database search techniques, such as truncating terms and combining concepts with Boolean operators
    6. differentiating between peer-reviewed and popular sources, as well as primary and secondary sources
    7. critically evaluating information resources for validity and suitability
    8. recognizing elements of a citation and citing information resources using standard styles
    9. respecting copyright laws and avoiding plagiarism
  2. Course expectations:
    • Attendance: Students are required to attend the three classroom sessions in Perry Library Room 163. The rest of the course is asynchronous; students may complete the exercises at any time during the week with a Monday 11:00pm deadline.
    • Courtesy: No cell phones, food or drink permitted in the classroom sessions.
    • Time needed: Normally a one credit course requires 2 to 3 hours of work per week--one hour in class and 2-3 hours of outside work and study.

Course Assignments and Grading

  1. Students will complete a series of readings and exercises on a weekly basis.
  2. Students will contribute to discussion on weekly topics.
  3. Students will complete an annotated bibliography using APA or MLA style on an approved topic. The bibliography will include citations with annotations to various sources, including books, journal articles, government publications and websites. 
  4. Students will complete a final exam. 
  5. Grading system: Normal, A-F