Jennifer Wu, Instructor

Office: Library 2127A Phone: (206)526-7719 Email: jwu@sccd.ctc.edu
Hours: Mon.: 2-6 pm, Tues. 9-1 pm, Wed.: 11 am-2 pm, Fri.: Varied Hours

Syllabus

Overview
This course provides an introduction to the research process using electronic information systems, including online reference sources, library catalogs, periodical databases and the Internet. Class assignments will emphasize the selection and use of appropriate information systems, the development of effective search strategies, and how to evaluate and document information. This course provides a foundation for research that can be applied to meet information needs – academic, workplace, or personal.

Prerequisites
Placement into ENG&101 and basic computer skills, such as e-mail, word processing. and attaching files.

Course Materials
All readings will be selected from online publications and web sites, including the following:

IRIS http://www.clark.edu/Library/iris/index.shtml

Research 101 http://www.lib.washington.edu/uwill/research101/

Research Strategies http://www.acts.twu.ca/Library/preface.htm

Research Methods & Strategies
http://dept.sccd.ctc.edu/cclib/Research_Help/textbook.pdf

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Develop and focus a research question.

2. Employ a variety of research strategies.

3. Explore a broad spectrum of information systems, resources, and modes of access.

4. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and apply information to solve problems.

5. Use standard bibliographic formats to document sources.

NSCC Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to Outcome 4 of NSCC Mission Statement: “Access, evaluate, and apply information from a variety of contexts.”

Topical Outline and Class Schedule (See separate page)

Evaluation

	A.	Participation Online learning takes time and effort. You need time to become familiar with WebCT, time to read and do assignments, and time to communicate with the instructor and your classmates. You will be graded on your participation, including asking and answering questions, and contributing to group discussions. The more involved you are, the more you will learn and the more your classmates (and I) will learn from you. Thank you in advance for your full and timely participation.
	B.	Weekly email journals You will be required to submit weekly email journals describing your learning experiences for the week.
	C.	Weekly assignments You will be working on several online assignments during each week, which will be submitted by class email or by posting to the online discussion forum. Details on assignments can be found on the Checklist for each week.
	D.	Final Portfolio project The final project is a portfolio of the best resources that you have found in each of the resources we explore. The portfolio will be more fully explained on a separate instruction page. Each item in the portfolio will be a revision of material you have turned in as an assignment. It is important to keep a copy of each submitted assignment for your own reference.

Grading Policy
You will receive a grade for each of the assignments listed on the Checklist for each week, weekly assigned emails, your class participation, and the final project. Online assignments must be submitted on time to receive full credit.

Assignments	200 points
Quizzes	60 points
Weekly e-Journals	60 points
Class Participation	80 points
Final Project	100 points
Total	500 points

Late Assignments

Assignments are due by midnight of the due date. Penalty for late assignments will be 20% up to one week following the deadline.

Point Values for Final Grades:

GRADE	PERCENTAGE	POINTS
4.0 - 3.5	90 - 100%	450 - 500
3.4 - 2.9	80 - 89.9%	400 - 449
2.8 -2.2	70 - 79 %	350 - 399
2.1 - 1.5	60 - 69.9%	300 - 349
1.4 - 0.9	50 - 59.9%	250 - 299
0.8 - 0.0	below 50%	below 250

Academic Honesty

You are responsible for doing your own work in this class. Be sure your writing is the product of your own work. Plagiarism will be viewed as a violation and may result in disciplinary action. Read the Plageriasm section in your IRIS textbook http://www.clark.edu/Library/iris/use/use_home.shtml

Special Considerations
If you need course adaptations or accommodations due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact me.

Getting Help
If you have questions or need help, feel free to contact me by email, phone (206)526-7719 or in person at the library. If I am online and available, I'll be happy to chat with you. To send an email, please use the Angel class email. Use my campus email
jwu@sccd.ctc.edu as a backup. For technical help with the Angel software or distance learning in general, contact the Distance Learning Help Desk or refer to the Virtual College Technical Information and Help page.

I am available at the Reference Desk in the NSCC Library during the hours listed at the top of this page. You can also get help from any librarian at the Reference Desk. You may want to let them know you are in the LIB150 class.

Campus Resources
Please refer to the Student Handbook or college website for more detailed information on these and other services:

• Career Services: 527-3685
• Counseling Center: 527-3676. Counselors at North Seattle can provide short-term help in developing study skills, managing time and stress and dealing with crises.
• Financial Aid: 527-3688
• Tutoring, the Loft Writing Center Plus: 526-0078.. Visit the Loft for free assistance with any reading, writing, listening or speaking assignment.

NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to accommodate the progress of the class.

Updated.: 12-20-09