INFS 1020 - Research Skills and Information Literacy

Credits: 1
Hours/Week: Lecture NoneLab None
Course Description: This course introduces students to effective techniques for locating, evaluating, using, and citing information sources. Students have the option of focusing on research needed for another course or choosing an area of personal interest to research. Coursework includes the use of library and free Web information sources.
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): Assessment score placement in RDNG 0950 , or completion of RDNG 0900  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Word processing skills or completion of OFFT 1001.

Major Content

1. Information in society - types, production, and organization

2. Information literacy - its definition and value

3. Finding a topic/Crafting the research question

4. Effective searching

   1. Library databases

   2. Library catalog

   3. Web

5. Evaluating information

6. Using information

   1. Plagiarism

   2. Copyright/fair use

   3. Citing sources/ bibliographies

1. describe a variety of information types, their production, and organization.

2. define information literacy and describe its value.

3. define a topic and research question of academic or personal value.

4. design search strategies to locate library and free Web information sources.

5. evaluate search strategies to locate library and free Web information sources.

6. critically evaluate information sources.

7. demonstrate the ability to use information effectively to meet an academic or personal need.

8. explain the concepts of plagiarism, copyright, and fair use.

9. cite sources accurately.

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