English 34
Introduction to Library Research
Course
Requirements
Course Description: This course deals with locating information both in the library and on the Internet. Students will learn traditional methods of library research, such as the use of catalogs and indexes, as well as effective use of electronic and Internet resources. In addition, students will learn to evaluate sources. This course does NOT deal with writing skills. This is a 1 unit course, but it is condensed into 8 weeks so the workload is substantial. Students can expect up to 4 hours of work outside class per week.
Course materials: English B34: Introduction to Library Research contains all the essential information, explanatory material, and in-class exercises for this course. It may be purchased at the college bookstore in the class pack section. The English B34 class pack must be brought to every class meeting. The class website is located at: http://www2.bc.cc.ca.us/nguidry/syllabus.htm. It contains updates to the syllabus and other important class-related materials. Students must obtain a student ID card (Gades card) for printing from databases and a lab login account, for WiFi access and/or word processing, before the second class meeting. Some assignments may require photocopies or computer printouts. Students are responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses related to assignments. The cost will rarely exceed 50 cents for each assignment.
Student Learning Outcomes: A student will learn to conduct research on an academic topic including use of the following methods. Each student will:
--Acquire a working knowledge of a research topic
--Construct effective research strategies to locate appropriate information resources
--Identify Library of Congress Subject Headings and keywords for search statements
--Utilize search techniques such as truncation, Boolean operators, and other
advanced methods
to develop effective searches
--Locate useful information resources both in the library and online
--Evaluate the credibility and quality of information using established criteria
--Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and ethical issues of information,
including plagiarism
and copyright.
Coursework: All take-home assignments will be distributed at class sessions and are generally due the following week at the beginning of class. The class pack contains a workbook with in-class exercises and must be brought to every class. If you miss a class, the assignment due at the next session will be available from your instructor. In addition, students are responsible for all assigned readings, quizzes, and such, as required by the instructor. Some assignments require students to e-mail information to the instructor prior to the class meeting. Most of the class work requires hands-on experience with library resources and is practical in nature. All assignments are based on the Bakersfield College Library.
Research topic: Each student will receive a research topic to use throughout the semester. At the end of regular assignments, you will need to complete one or more questions using this pre-assigned topic. As a result, you will gain “real world” experience locating books, journal articles, web sites, etc., on a single topic. The resources you locate will also directly relate to some questions on the final exam. For instance, if you select a book that is very relevant to your topic, you may re-use that selection for the final. Be sure to save all your exercises, so you can utilize them on the final.
Grading: Grading follows a standard 10% scale: 90-100=A 80-89=B 70-79=C 60-69=D below 59=F Numerical scores will be awarded. All students are expected to work independently on class assignments. Failure to adhere to this policy will adversely affect your grade. Please keep all of your graded assignments in case a discrepancy occurs in the grade records. Record your scores in order to keep track of your grade in the class.
Late work: Assignments are due at the beginning of class or prior to class via e-mail as specified in the assignment. Late work will be penalized. See the paper copy of your syllabus for the specifics. Assignments may not be submitted later than one week after the due date. Turn late work in as soon as possible to the instructor’s office or other instructor-designated location. Any quizzes or other in-class work missed due to absence cannot be made-up.
Attendance: Since this class is a fast-paced lecture/lab course, attendance is very important. The BC catalog allows students the equivalent of two weeks’ absence before being dropped. In this "condensed" course, this is two absences in classes that meet twice weekly and one absence in classes that meet once weekly. Students are responsible for dropping classes, but the catalog’s attendance policy will be upheld—except in extreme and unforeseen circumstances. Students are expected to be on time and stay in class for the duration of the class period. Within reasonable bounds, excessive tardiness or leaving class early will be considered a missed class period. Students who miss class are responsible for picking up the assignment from their instructor. (See policy for late work.)
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Supportive Services in FACE 16, 395-4334, as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely manner.
