Syllabus for ILR260: Information Literacy and Report Writing
| Course: | ILR260 - Information Literacy and Report Writing |
| Last revised: | Date: June 13, 2007 By: Dr. Christine Photinos |
| Textbook: | For the correct edition of the textbook assigned to a specific class, go to: http://www.nutextdirect.com |
| Course Prerequisite(s): ENG 240 | |
| Course Description: A cross-disciplinary course that teaches effective report and research paper writing through the use of key computer technologies. The course includes Internet research, MLA and APA style formats, computer technologies, spreadsheets and the application of multimedia software and graphics for report presentation. ILR 260 offers refinement in the use of the microcomputer for effective report writing and presentation. | |
| Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course, students should be able to do the following:
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| Course Requirements: Course Goals: Students will develop information literacy skills through refining knowledge of various databases and scholarly resources in electronic media, including ProQuest, InfoTrac, FIS, EBSCO, PsychInfo, SoftLine, NewsBank, US-DOC, GALE, Project MUSE, Wilson Biographies, and Grove. Students will examine, evaluate, and apply technological modes of information research reporting across disciplines, such as business, humanities, and the sciences. Students will use microcomputer technologies for multiple applications, including evaluation and analysis, report writing, as well as the presentation of research findings by using publishing software and graphics including Microsoft Office Word, Access, Excel and Power Point. Students will use emerging technologies for the support and documentation of subject matter competencies and the comprehension and utilization of diverse perspectives. Students will demonstrate awareness of ethical and social issues relating to technology such as access, privacy and protection of intellectual property. Course Content: Critical evaluation of Internet and electronic library database sources to determine their scholarly value and appropriateness. Proper use and citation of sources in MLA and APA formats. Research papers and reports that incorporate spread sheets, tables, graphs, charts and multimedia graphics according to proper business, humanities, and science format. Course Preparedness: In short, ILRW 260 assumes that students already "write with a command of standard English conventions, write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined perspective and tightly reasoned argument, and use clear research questions and creative and critical research strategies". Course Workload: For a 4.5-quarter unit course, there are 45 contact hours, plus a minimum of 90 hours outside work. For the four-week onsite version of this course, students can expect to devote a minimum of four and one-half hours per day in order to complete the coursework. With the on-line version, additional hours are needed to reflect "class time" and these usually involve participation indiscussion forums, on-line tutorials, reading of on-line lecture notes, etc. (Note: Depending on the initial skill level of the student, the number of hours needed may be much higher). |
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Recommended Course Grading (expressed as percentages):
| A | 96-100 | B+ | 87-89 | C+ | 77-79 | D+ | 67-69 |
| A- | 90-95 | B | 84-86 | C | 74-76 | D | 64-66 |
| B- | 80-83 | C- | 70-73 | D- | 60-63 |
Grading Factors:
Each instructor is responsible for identifying several specific grading components and the weight to be assigned to each component. The following are examples only, and are not meant to be all inclusive:
Definition of Grades:
| Undergraduate Courses | ||
| A | Outstanding Achievement | Significantly exceeds standards |
| B | Commendable Achievement | Exceeds standards |
| C | Acceptable Achievement | Meets standards |
| D | Marginal Achievement | Below standards |
| F | Failing * | |
| Graduate Courses | |
| A | Outstanding Achievement |
| B | Commendable Achievement |
| C | Marginal Achievement |
| D | Unsatisfactory * |
| F | Failing * |
* Students receiving this grade in a course that is required for his/her degree program must repeat the course.
| I | Incomplete A grade given at the discretion of the instructor when a student who has completed at least two-thirds of the course class sessions and is unable to complete the requirements of the course because of uncontrollable and unforeseen circumstances. The student must convey these circumstances (preferably in writing) to the instructor prior to the final day of the course. If an instructor decides that an "Incomplete" is warranted, the instructor must convey the conditions for removal of the "Incomplete" to the student in writing. A copy must also be placed on file with the Office of the Registrar until the "Incomplete" is removed or the time limit for removal has passed. An "Incomplete" is not assigned when the only way the student could make up the work would be to attend a major portion of the class when next offered. An "I" that is not removed within the stipulated time becomes an "F." No grade points are assigned. The "F" is calculated in the grade point average. |
| W | Withdrawal Signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course after beginning the third class session. Students who wish to withdraw must notify their admissions advisor before the beginning of the sixth class session in the case of graduate courses, or before the seventh class session in the case of undergraduate courses. Instructors are not authorized to issue a "W" grade. |
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas or work as one's own. Students must give credit for any information that is not either the result of original research or common knowledge. If a student borrows ideas or information from another author, he/she must acknowledge the author in the body of the text and on the reference page. Students found plagiarizing are subject to the penalties outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of the University Catalog, which may include a failing grade for the work in question or for the entire course. The following is one of many websites that provide helpful information concerning plagiarism for both students and faculty: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml
Ethics:
Ethical behavior in the classroom is required of every student. The course will identify ethical policies and practices relevant to course topics.
Technology:
Students are expected to be competent in using current technology appropriate for this discipline. Such technology may include word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Use of the internet and e-mail may also be required.
Diversity:
Learning to work with and value diversity is essential in every class. Students are expected to exhibit an appreciation for multinational and gender diversity in the classroom.
Civility:
As a diverse community of learners, students must strive to work together in a setting of civility, tolerance, and respect for each other and for the instructor. Rules of classroom behavior (which apply to online as well as onsite courses) include but are not limited to the following:
Students with Disabilities:
Students seeking special accommodations due to a disability must submit an application with supporting documentation, as explained under this subject heading in the General Catalog. Instructors are required to provide such accommodations if they receive written notification from the University.
Writing Across the Curriculum:
Students are expected to demonstrate writing skills in describing, analyzing and evaluating ideas and experiences. Written reports and research papers must follow specific standards regarding citations of an author's work within the text and references at the end of the paper. Students are encouraged to use the services of the University's Writing Center when preparing materials.
The following website provides information on APA, MLA, and other writing and citation styles that may be required for term papers and the like: http://www.nu.edu/LIBRARY/ReferenceTools/citations.html
National University Library:
National University Library supports academic rigor and student academic success by providing access to scholarly books and journals both electronically and in hard copy. Print materials may be accessed at the Library in San Diego or through document delivery for online and regional students. Librarians are available to provide training, reference assistance, and mentoring at the San Diego Library and virtually for online or regional students. Please take advantage of Library resources:
URL: http://www.nu.edu/library.
Contact the Library:
Use the Library Training Tools (on the Library Homepage) for additional help
National University is an affiliate of the National University System.