LAS 13525 CA Research Techniques and Technology

Spring 2016
MWF 9:00 9:50
VW 101
Professor:
Jan Lee
Office: Gangwish Library
Phone: 785-248-2535,
Email: jan.lee@ottawa.edu
Office hours: MWF 1011 a.m. and M-F 1:30 2:30 p.m.
Home phone: 785-242-4654
Texts: Lectures, articles and other course materials for each module are available on Blackboard.
Description of course:
Research Techniques and Technology focuses on the fundamental elements of information literacy. This
course teaches the concepts and skills involved with locating, evaluating and using information from a
variety of print and electronic sources in an effective and ethical manner. The objectives of this syllabus
are tied to the 6 Frames found in the Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for
Information Literacy for Higher Education (2015).
Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Recognize the elements of the research or information seeking process.
Articulate their information needs and establish a sense of intentionality before embarking on
research projects.
Develop sound research strategies and practice effective searching techniques.
Acquire an awareness of print and electronic resources which are relevant to their scholarly,
personal, and/or professional work.
Evaluate and analyze print and online sources.
Correctly cite sources and create bibliographies.
Use information technology to access, examine, employ, and manage information.
Create a range of artifacts which exhibit their ability to synthesize, critically evaluate and apply the
information they have encountered.
Acknowledge the social and ethical considerations involved with the information they use and
create.
Attendance/participation policies:
A portion of the students grade will be based upon the extent and quality of his or her interaction in the classroom
and online. It is essential that all students consistently attend and participate in class discussions, exercises and
related activities. More than 3 absences can lower the final course grade. If you are absent, you are responsible
for making up the work and preparing for the next class. If you are absent for school-related activities or for any
other reason that you know in advance, you must notify me in advance and submit in advance the work for which
you are responsible the day(s) of your absence. You are responsible for making up the work done in class while
you were away and being prepared for the next class. Failure to do so will result in the absence counting against
you if the absence is for an otherwise legitimate reason. If you dont notify me of the reason for your absence, I
cannot be reasonable in determining if it should affect your grade.
Grading policy:
Students will earn points on a daily basis. These points will come from a variety of in-class activities and
assignments. In-class work must be completed during class.

All six major assignments must be turned in on time. Major assignments that are turned in up to 24 hours
late will be reduced one letter grade. Those turned in 25 to 48 hours after they were originally due will
automatically receive a 50% grade reduction. These assignments will not be accepted after 48 hours,
except in circumstances beyond the control of the student. The professor reserves the right to verify the
validity of such circumstances by requiring proper documentation from the student.
Grade scale:
90% -100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
59% and below = F
Assignment Structure:
This course has six major assignments which build upon one another.
1. Bibliographic Essay ProposalStudents begin by proposing a research topic for a semester-long
research project: the Bibliographic Essay. This topic must be approved by the professor before
the other major assignments will be accepted.
2. Database DemonstrationStudents show their understanding of databases through
presentations. Students are encouraged to choose a database that fits their approved research
topic for the Bibliographic Essay.
3. Evaluation of SourcesStudents formally evaluate a variety of sources they have acquired for
their Bibliographic Essay.
4. Annotated BibliographyStudents analyze and synthesize their sources. Students are
encouraged to use their best sources and analyses in the Bibliographic Essay.
5. Bibliographic EssayStudents compose a Bibliographic Essay that effectively illustrates a range
of essential research and writing skills.
6. Digital PortfolioStudents assemble a digital portfolio showcasing artifacts they created
throughout the semester. Students also include reflections on their work.
Assignments: Point Values and Brief Descriptions
Bibliographic Essay Proposal100 pts
Topic proposal (250 words)
Outline
Research timeline
Database Demonstration100 pts
Slideshow covering the purpose, uses and functionalities of a selected database accessed
through Gangwish Library Online
7-10 minute presentation and research demonstration of the tool
Question and answer session
Evaluation of Sources200 pts
One book
Two journal articles from academic databases accessed through Gnagwish Library Online
Two websites or articles from the World Wide Web
Annotated Bibliography150 pts
Citations and critical annotations for ten sources
Bibliographic Essay200 pts
Evaluative survey of twelve sources addressing chosen topic (approx. 2,500 words)
Abstract (approx. 250 words)
Peer review analysis of essay
Digital Portfolio150 points
Online collection of artifacts from the course
Reflection on the research process throughout the semester

 Reflection on the learners attainment of the course objectives

Peer review of portfolio
Discussions/ In-class Participation100 pts
Participation in class discussions
Completion of in-class work
Completion of SAILS assessment
In class graded work
Attendance
Total points= 1,000
Note: All work should be handed in to the professor in print format in class the day the assignment is due
or no later than 5 p.m. in the professors office or by email by midnight of the due date. If emailed to the
professor, she will respond that she received it.
Academic Dishonesty:
Students should exercise diligence when it comes to avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic
honesty. According to the WPA (2003), "plagiarism occurs when a writer deliberately uses someone
elses language, ideas, or other original (not common-knowledge) material without acknowledging its
source." Plagiarism is a serious academic offense, as it is often considered tantamount to cheating. For
an extended discussion of plagiarism and OUs position on academic honesty, see this Plagiarism
guide: http://ottawa.libguides.com/plagiarism
Student Handbook:
Students should refer to the Residential Student Handbook for all University Regulations. Access at
http://www.ottawa.edu on the bottom of the page under Student Resources or
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/7fafbb28
Special Needs Provisions:
Any student in this course who has a disability that prevents the fullest expression of his or her abilities
should contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss the channels for requesting accommodations.