ENGLISH 109 SYLLABUS - SPRING 2008
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE INFORMATION MAZE
Instructor: Nicole Longpré Phone: 425-564-3071
Office hours: By appointment
Goal: “Information Resources” is designed to help you learn the skills required to conduct a quarter-long research project, reaching a level of proficiency appropriate for college study. This course will help you develop a lifelong habit of critical thinking about problem solving. You will learn and apply skills necessary to effectively identify and retrieve information from a variety of sources. You will be trained to use critical thinking skills to evaluate the validity of information and its relevance to your information need. And finally, you will complete your research activity by documenting sources and reevaluating the whole process.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
· Understand and define basic library vocabulary.
· Demonstrate the research process.
· Identify and utilize a variety of sources, both in print and online formats.
· Explore and learn the scope and coverage of different databases.
· Use the Internet as a research tool.
· Understand and express that all information is not equal and that different sources of information provide different types of information.
· Develop strategies to identify and retrieve information using skills and techniques associated with information retrieval.
· Evaluate information according to a set of defined criteria.
· Document information sources using the MLA Citation Style.
· Find real-world application to concepts learned in class and apply them elsewhere.
Disabilities: If you need special accommodations because of a disability and need special arrangements in case of emergency evacuation, please let us know as soon as possible. If you would like to inquire about becoming a DRC student, call (425) 564-2498 or you can go to the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in room B132.
Methodology: Class time will be divided into lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, discussions, oral presentations, in-class group work and take-home assignments.
Textbook: There is no specific textbook for this class. However, you will be given handouts, worksheets and assignments regularly throughout the class. You will need a 3-ring binder for the handouts. You will also need a small binder for your portfolio.
Exercises/Assignments: In-class exercises are the major component of this class. You will complete several assignments and exercises for each module or lesson, both inside and outside the classroom. These exercises are designed to provide hands-on practice and help you better understand the research process.
Late exercises/assignments: Exercises and assignments will be distributed in class and you are responsible for getting them if you miss class. You have up to one week to make up a missed exercise or assignment.
Portfolio: You will be asked to compile a portfolio that includes all in-class worksheets, assignments, quizzes and the comprehensive exam that you have completed for the class. I will collect the portfolio the day of your final presentation. Don't throw anything away!
Cheating: You are expected to conduct yourself with respect and integrity. If you cheat, or help someone else in cheating, you will receive “0” on that work. We will report the incident to your advisor at English Language Institute as well as to the Dean of Students and further disciplinary action may be taken.
Attendance and participation: Because of the interactive nature of the class, 100% attendance is expected. Please plan to come to all scheduled classes on time and prepared and be ready to actively participate in class discussion. Your attendance and participation in class discussion and activities is essential and it reinforces your learning. Please keep in mind that excessively late arrival or inattention during class will be considered as an absence.
Assignments and other course information are also posted on the English 109 website:
GRADES/EVALUATION: You will be evaluated on your ability to demonstrate your understanding of library research tools and the strategies and techniques necessary to use them effectively. Grades will be given as a percentage of all points earned from assignments, in-class exercises, quizzes, tests, projects, journals and attendance. Each category will count the following values.
Weekly Exercises = 20%
Take-home Assignments = 20%
Midterm Exam/Quizzes = 20%
Final Project = 20%
Portfolio = 10%
Attendance and participation = 10%
The overall course grade will be based on the following scale:
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A 94% - 100%
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C+ 77% - 79%
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A- 91% - 93%
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C 74% - 76%
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B+ 87% - 90%
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C- 70% - 73%
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B 84% - 86%
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D+ 67% - 69%
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B- 80% - 83%
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D 60% - 66%
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F below 60%
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