Marilyn Scoville                     LS 101 A    Introduction to Research in an Electronic Environment
mscoville@smcvt.edu                                                   ....sample syllabus....
Office: Library 207                                                                         
Office Hours: By Appointment
Phone: 802.654.2410
Course Description

LS 101 -- Introduction to Research in an Electronic Environment
2 credits 

Students will investigate and critically examine the dynamic constellation of library and information resources, including the World Wide Web, online and full-text databases, and print resources. Focus is on developing efficient search strategies, evaluating information sources, documenting sources, and effectively using new technologies.  LS101 provides a foundation and methodology for students planning to write senior theses, honors papers, capstone projects, or foresee graduate studies in their future.  Enrollment is restricted to first year, sophomores, and juniors.  Seniors require permission of the instructor.

 
Course Objectives
  • Students demonstrate that they define their information needs articulately
  • Students identify sources of available information, recognizing the value in different formats
  • Students embark upon effective search strategies
  • Students analyze and evaluate information sources
  • Students understand the ethical, social, and legal ramifications of today's information rich society
 
Grading Policy Grading: Class attendance is mandatory; every absence will affect your grade
    1 absence will be excused by the professor
    2 absences will cause your final grade to drop 1 letter grade
    3 absences will drop your final grade 2 letter grades
    4 or more absences will result in a grade of 'F"
 

Homework/Class work: 40%
Exams and quizzes: 30%  
Oral presentation: 15%
Bibliography: 15%
 
Textbook(s)

The Web of Deception: Misinformation on the Internet, edited by Anne P. Mintz et
          al.  NJ: Information Today, 2002.
Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog by William
          Badke.  2nd ed. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse.com, 2004.
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers   (5th edition)
 
 
Documentation Format and Style

LS101 requires acquiring proficiency during the semester with the MLA style for documentation,
citing, and creating reference lists and bibliographies. Consult the MLA text or the MLA website for
examples, explanations, and details required for correctly applying the MLA style.

"Frequently Asked Questions about MLA Style".  10 July 2003.  MLA.  15 Jan. 2004
         <http://www.mla.org/style_faq>
Documenting Your Sources: http://personalweb.smcvt.edu/mscoville/documenting_your_sources.htm
MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers   (5th edition).
 
LS101a class calendar

Week 1:  Intellectual Property  / Academic Freedom  
Preliminaries to research; pretest

Week 2: Censorship / Academic Freedom
Class meets in the library: Spotlight on Books and Reference Sources;
student presentations
                          
Week 3:   Computer Ethics
Ethical issues including copyright, fair use, plagiarism
Searching Techniques and Search Engines
     
Week 4:  Searching and Evaluating
Searching techniques continued; evaluation strategies
"Evaluating Information - Applying the CRAAP Test."  Meriam Library,
            California State University.  24 Aug. 2004.  6 Jan. 2004 
            < www.csuchico.edu/lins/handouts/eval_websites.pdf >.

Week 5:   The Deep Web
"The Deep Web: Surfacing Hidden Value" ( go to brightplanet.com)
             http://www.brightplanet.com/technology/deepweb.asp
Periodical databases: Lexis Nexis and InfoTRAC; Matrix assignment: begin in class

Week 6:   The MATRIX / Privacy "No Place to Hide"
Government websites; SMC online catalog
                    
Week 7:    Patriot Act
March 2  (W)    WorldCAT;  Interdisciplinary databases: ASP, ASAP 

Week 8:  Patriot Act
Lexis Nexis; Debate/ Panel Discussion and Critique              

Week 9:               
Semester Break

Week 10: Digital Divide
Databases: JSTOR, PROject Muse:     Scholarly vs nonscholarly  
Scholarly Literature:http://www.lib.utsa.edu/Research/Subject/scholarlyguide.html 
   
Week 11:  Locating Medical Information:  Medline vs web 
Primary research: Medline,  Biosis; Lexis Nexis

Week 12: Social Relationships on the Internet
Primary research: EconLIT, PsychLIT, ERIC

Week 13     Cyberwar
Primary sources; Readers Guide, NYT index

Week 14:   Computer Crime
Legal resources

Week 15:  Statistics

Week 16: Final exam