INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
Education is a two-way street and this syllabus is a contract between us outlining how we will meet each other
half way on the journey to the successful completion of this course. I have expectations of you as student, but
you should also have expectations of me as your instructor. If you feel I have overlooked something or this
syllabus is incomplete in any way, please don’t hesitate to let me know! Questions and feedback are always
welcome. I don’t anticipate making any major revisions, but I do reserve the right to adjust the syllabus as
necessary throughout the semester.
Prerequisites
Placement into READ 1300 or completions of READ 0200 or ESOL 0052;
Placement into ENGL 1110 or completion of ENGL 0900 or ESOL 0051
Required Text
Badke, William B. Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog. 3rd ed. New York:
iUniverse, Inc., 2008.
ISBN: 978-595-47747-0 (pbk)
The text is available online at various booksellers (e.g. www.amazon.com) or through the MCTC Bookstore
(http://www.mctcbookstore.com).
There will be assigned readings from this text followed by quizzes on the assigned readings. It is highly recommended
you have a copy of this text for yourself, but there will be some copies available on reserve in the MCTC Library (2-hour
check-out for in library use only).
Information Literacy & Research Skills—what does that mean anyway?
Well, basically it means that this course provides an opportunity to learn how to navigate information for scholarly
purposes. In other words by the time you complete this course you should be prepared to successfully conduct collegelevel research. We will investigate how information is created, distributed, and used by you as a student. We will also
look at the bodies that influence the information as it makes its way through the “Information Cycle.” We will explore
various search techniques and strategies that can be used to locate and evaluate the information once it is found. You
will also be expected to cite your sources according to MLA citation style. We will discuss a variety of information issues,
including those related to intellectual freedom & copyright.
Course Philosophy
The course provides an introduction to research and information seeking skills which include: an understanding of how
information and knowledge is produced and organized within a societal context; how to create a strategy for finding
information; how to use print and electronic sources to locate information; how to evaluate information found; how to
cite information in a works cited list; and issues related to intellectual freedom and copyright.
Learner Outcomes/Objectives
You will gain:
 The ability to examine information critically and determine its authenticity, credibility, intellectual content, bias,
etc.
 The ability to determine the proper tool needed to locate desired information
 The ability to use print, electronic, and Internet indexes in various academic disciplines to locate information
 The ability to use and understand library reference tools and classification systems
You will:
 Understand how knowledge is produced and organized in society
 Understand how information and knowledge is affected by cultural, political and economic factors Understand
issues related to copyright, intellectual freedom, and the public vs. private ownership of information
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011
INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
Expectations
 Attendance/Participation: In this course there are regular readings, discussions, exercises, quizzes, and team
assignments due each week. In order to be successful in this course, you must attend and participate fully in all
of these. Failure to do so will result in a loss of participation points. Also, expect to spend an average of up to
approximately 12 hours per week on course-related work. This includes attending class, assigned readings &
tutorials, and completing assignments, quizzes & exams. Attend class with full participation. I will enforce the
MCTC’s LDA (Last Date of Attendance) Policy if you fail to participate in the course as outlined in that policy.

Assignments and projects must be uploaded on time to their appropriate D2L dropbox. All timed deadlines
noted in the course calendar, D2L dropbox, events calendar, quizzes, etc. are strictly enforced. Please be on time
with assignments, quizzes, and exams. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities, religious observances, and
other will be made, but you must contact me with appropriate documentation and/or prior to deadlines. Late
materials are subject to be penalized one grade level, e.g., an earned A will be recorded as a B. Participation in
class discussions is critical in an online course. Expectations and evaluation criteria are described in separate
documents.

You must use the course management system used by MCTC called Desire2Learn (D2L) to access content,
submit assignments & exams, and take quizzes. In addition to accessing course materials, I ask you log into D2L
regularly to check for announcements and newly posted content. Course materials including this syllabus,
readings, assignments, and handouts will be found in the Content section. Other sections of D2L will also be
used. If you are not familiar with using D2L, consider registering for a D2L Student Orientation.

Technology is your responsibility. I expect that you have basic computer competencies and can use the basic
features of word processing software. I also expect you can save files as different file types, and can upload and
download documents to and from the internet. If you have technical difficulties, I may be able to assist with
minor troubleshooting, but if you need more detailed technical assistance, please refer to MCTC D2L support
page or the D2L technical assistant links that are provided in the upper right of your D2L page, or go to the
campus Technical Support page at http://www.minneapolis.edu/techsupport/index.cfm.

I will communicate with you throughout the course in the following ways: by sending emails using the D2L class
list, by posting to the News page on D2L, and by posting to the course blog (more about that later). Most of the
time communication will be text based, but sometimes I might use audio/visual. You are responsible for
checking your email on a regular basis as messages may contain critical or time-sensitive information. To be
certain you receive my messages, you should either list your preferred email under your student profile or
activate your school-provided e-mail account (MetNet) and have messages forwarded to a preferred account
if you will not be using MetNet as your primary email account. Click here for MCTC student e-mail assistance.

After the first week of class I will establish a private place for individual communication in D2L called the online
office. Please contact me in the online office as opposed to e-mail. If you do email me, I will likely respond to
your email message using the online office. If you do contact me, I promise to do my best to respond to you as
quickly as possible. Typically this means within a 24-hour period after the initial contact is made. However, on
occasion (on the weekend, for example) it may take me longer for me to respond. I will generally let you know if
I’m planning to be offline for more than a 24-48 hour period of time.

If you would like to meet in person, appointments are appreciated. I am on campus most weekdays during the
day, but I still recommend contacting me ahead of time to assure I will be available.

I will try to provide feedback to your work within a reasonable time after it is due. My goal is to have work
graded within a week of the due date. Submitting an assignment early is fine but does not guarantee a faster
response time from me. Aside from teaching, I have numerous other library and campus responsibilities to
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011
INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
attend to during the week and so like you, I have to budget my time according to what I have going on at each
given moment.

There may be opportunities to earn extra credit in this class. If so, please refer to separate Extra Credit
documents for more information.

Be courteous and respectful when working with one another in groups. We might not always agree with one
another, but let that be an opportunity for discussion as opposed to flaming. If you haven’t already done so,
familiarize yourself with MCTC’s Student Code of Conduct.

I might make mistakes because like you, I am human too! If you notice something you think to be an error on my
part (broken links, missing handouts, erroneous dates, etc.), kindly alert me to the problem and I will do my best
to resolve it as quickly as possible.

Academic Honesty & Integrity: This means completing projects and taking online quizzes and exams in good
trust: no cheating/no copying, etc. By maintaining academic integrity, you will increase your knowledge and
skill, while upholding personal and societal ethical standards. Any violations of these prohibitions against
plagiarism or cheating will be treated with great seriousness, including failure of the course or possibly worse.
Consult the MCTC student handbook for advice about avoiding plagiarism/cheating, or talk to me about it. If you
are aware of any inappropriate activities in this course, please contact me immediately.

Plagiarism is defined as follows in the MCTC Student Code of Conduct:
o “Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to the use by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or
unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement; unacknowledged use of
materials prepared by another person or agency engaging in selling or otherwise providing term papers
or other academic materials.”
Course Activities
Participation/Attendance: Contacting me regarding your absence(s) is appreciated. However, I do not distinguish
between absences (excused vs. unexcused). An absence is an absence. Also, it is your responsibility to make-up work
missed during class.
Assignments: There are six (6) team assignments worth 10 points each—5 points for the assignment and 5 points for
you teamwork behavior. All assignments must be completed as a group (NO EXCEPTIONS!) and only one version of the
assignment is to be submitted. This is the assignment I will grade and each member of the team will be given this grade
as a start grade. I will use the assignment rubric to assess the assignment and the teamwork rubric to assess your
individual teamwork behaviors.
Quizzes: There are eight (8) quizzes based upon the assigned readings, but only seven (7) will count toward the final
grade as your lowest score will be dropped from the final grade. Each quiz is worth five (5) points and must be
completed during the assigned time. Also, the quizzes are timed to 10 minutes, so even though the quizzes are
technically “open book”, you will likely not have enough time to look up all the answers during the quiz. Quizzes may not
be taken after the deadline and may not be made-up if missed.
Individual Research Portfolio: A Comprehensive Exam, in 3 Phases
Phase 1: This written exam includes developing a topic of your choice and writing a appropriate research questions and
an argumentative thesis statement. This exam is worth 10 points. I will review your work and provide feedback. I do not
accept late exams.
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011
INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
Phase 2: Using the topic from Phase 1, incorporate my feedback and locate 3 resources to support the topic. This exam
is worth 40 points. I do not accept late exams.
Phase 3: This exam is worth 100 points. This written exam will be a continuation of Phases 1 and 2. You will make
revisions based upon my feedback from these and also locate additional resources to support the topic. I do not accept
late exams.
Assessment
A grade: Mastery of all the concepts and procedures taught in the class; participates regularly and all assignments and
exams are completed thoroughly.
B grade: Mastery of most concepts and procedures taught in the class; participates in most discussions and most
assignments and exams are completed thoroughly.
C grade: Adequate understanding of the concepts and procedures taught in the course; lacks participation and
incomplete or missing homework and exams.
D or F grade: Lacks understanding of the concepts and procedures taught in the course; insufficient participation and
incomplete or missing assignments, quizzes and exams.
Point Distribution
Activity
Points
Participation 30
Assignments 60
Quizzes
35
Exam Phase 1 10
Exam Phase 2 40
Exam Phase 3 100
----------------- -------TOTAL
275
What’s a rubric?
A rubric is an assessment tool (a graph or chart outlining expectations of assignment or exam). I ask you to use rubrics to
assess your work on assignments & exams. I will do the same to evaluate your work. You will use a peer assessment
form to evaluate your group members and yourself for each group assignment.
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011
INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
COURSE CALENDAR*
*Calendar is subject to change at any time. All updates & modifications will be announced.
DROPBOX
HANDOUT
QUIZ
READ
WATCH
Week Date
1
A
B
Homework KEY
ALWAYS CHECK D2L TO CONFIRM DUE DATE/TIME. All assignments, exams & self/peer
evaluation forms must be uploaded to the Dropbox no later than 24 hours (1 Day) prior to
the start of class of the next class after they are assigned. The Dropbox closes promptly 24
hours (1 Day) before the start of that class. You are responsible for submitting your work
on time. No late work is accepted.
All Handouts are available in D2L and should be reviewed ahead of time when assigned.
ALWAYS CHECK D2L TO CONFIRM DUE DATE/TIME. All quizzes must be completed in D2L
no later than 1 hour prior to the start of class. Quizzes will be closed promptly 30 minutes
before the start of the next class after they are assigned. You are responsible for
completing quizzes on time. Once closed, quizzes will not be re-opened.
All assigned reading is to be completed prior to coming to class. Most Quizzes are based
upon the assigned readings, so you will want to complete the reading before taking the
assigned Quiz.
All assigned videos should be viewed prior to coming to class. Often we will be discussing
the assigned database tutorials & video topics during class and you will benefit more from
these discussions if you come to class prepared.
Topics, Activities, Homework
Class Topic: Introduction to Information Literacy
 Introductions & student expectations of class
 Course Overview, Syllabus & Instructor Expectations
 Setting Ground Rules
 D2L, Email, Communication, and other Technology topics
 How to Communicate and Problem Solve With Your Instructor
 MCTC Library Website Tour
 MCTC Library’s Mission Statement
Homework:
 QUIZ: Take the “Course Expectations” Quiz. This Quiz is mandatory, but not
graded. You will not be allowed to take Quiz #1 or any other graded quizzes
without first completing the Course Expectations Quiz.
 DROPBOX: Practice uploading a document the D2L “Practice” dropbox
 READ:
o Badke Chapter 1: Welcome to the Information Fog
o Badke Chapter 8: Learning How to Read for Research
 QUIZ: Complete Quiz #1 (covers assigned readings from Badke text)
Class Topic: Introduction to Information Literacy
 WATCH: “Story of…” (approx 20 minutes)
 DISCUSS: video & readings
 ACTIVITY: Assignment Calculator, GPS LifePlan
Homework:
 READ: (all articles are available in D2L content):
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011
INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
Week Date
2
A
B
3
A
B
4
A
Topics, Activities, Homework
o Martin, Brian. “The Politics of Research” from Information Liberation.
London: Freedom Press, 1998.
o Blumenstyk, Goldie. "The Price of Research.” Chronicle of Higher Education
50.10 (2003): A26. Academic Search Premier.
o Thomas, Pat. "SEX, LIES AND HERBICIDES." Ecologist 36.1 (2006): 14-21.
Academic Search Premier.
 QUIZ: Take Quiz #2 (covers assigned readings)
Class Topic: The Politics & Price of Research
 DISCUSS: readings
 ACTIVITY: team formation
Class Topic: Production of Information
 WATCH: “Information Cycle” (brief) and “Information Cycle” (extended)
 WATCH: “Information R/evolution”
 DISCUSS videos & readings
Homework:
 READ:
o Badke Chapter 4: Metadata and the Power of Controlled Vocabularies
 QUIZ: Complete Quiz #3 (covers Badke Chapter 4)
 HANDOUT: Review “MLA Citation Guide”
Class Topic: Organization & Access of Information
 WATCH “High Fidelity” clip
 LECTURE
o Classification, hierarchies, keywords, controlled vocabulary
 DISCUSS video & readings
 ACTIVITY: MLA CITATION TUTORIAL
Homework:
 READ:
o Badke Chapter 3: Database Searching with Keywords and Hierarchies
 HANDOUT: Review “Dewey & LC Comparison”
 QUIZ: Complete Quiz #4 (covers Badke Chapter 3)
Class Topic: Organization & Access of Information
 DISCUSS readings
 ACTIVITY: Group Orientation Activity
Homework:
 WATCH database tutorials:
o CQ Researcher
o Issues & Controversies
o Gale Virtual Reference Library
 READ:
o Badke Chapter 2: Taking Charge
o Badke Appendix 1: A Research Paper Clinic: More Tips and Troubleshooting
for Development of Great Research Papers
 QUIZ: Complete Quiz #5 (covers Badke Chapter 2 and Appendix 1)
Class Topic: Using Reference Resources for Background Information
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011
INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
Week Date
B
5
A
B
6
A
Topics, Activities, Homework
 LECTURE
o Defining, understanding and starting “Research Process”
 WATCH “Stephen Colbert’s The Word: Wikiality”
 DISCUSS video & readings
Homework:
 HANDOUT: Review “Research Process”
Class Topic: Using Reference Resources for Background Information
 LAB: Team Assignment #1 (This is the first team assignment; you will work with
your team to complete this and all future assignments.)
Homework:
 DROPBOX: Upload Team Assignment #1 to dropbox
 DROPBOX: Upload Self/Peer Evaluation form to dropbox
Class Topic: Developing a Research Topic
 LECTURE
o concept mapping
o research questions
o argumentative thesis
 ACTIVITY
Class Topic: Developing a Research Topic
 LAB: Team Assignment #2
Homework:
 DROPBOX: Upload Assignment #2 to dropbox
 DROPBOX: Upload Peer Evaluation Form to dropbox
 READ:
o Badke Chapter 5, pp. 71-76: Library Catalogs
o Schiffrin, Andre. "Bucking the Monoliths: Publishing with a Mission."
American Libraries. May 1999: 44-46.
 READ:
o Review Badke Chapter 4: Metadata and the Power of Controlled
Vocabularies
 HANDOUT: Review “Evaluating Resources”
Class Topic: Books: Locating, Using & Evaluating
 LECTURE
o Search!
o Keywords/Controlled Vocabulary/Subject headings
o Using library catalogs & databases to locate books
o Evaluating Resources
 DISCUSS readings
 ACTIVITY
Homework:
 WATCH database tutorials:
o Library Catalog (MnPALS Plus)
o WorldCat
 HANDOUT: Review “Searching Databases Quick Guide”
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011
INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
Week Date
B
7
A
B
8
A
B
9
A
B
Topics, Activities, Homework
Class Topic: Books/e-books: Locating, Using & Evaluating
 LAB: Team Assignment #3
Homework:
 DROPBOX: Upload Team Assignment #3 to dropbox
 DROPBOX: Upload Self/Peer Evaluation Form to dropbox
Class Topic: Review & Begin Exam 1
Class Topic: Exam Phase 1
 LAB: Exam Phase 1
Homework:
 DROPBOX: Upload Exam Phase 1 to dropbox
 READ:
o Badke Chapter 5 pp.76-95: Journal Databases
o Review first part of Badke Chapter 5
o Review Schiffrin
 QUIZ: Take Quiz #6 (covers all Badke Chapter 5 & Schiffrin article)
 WATCH database tutorials:
 Academic Search Premier
 HANDOUT: Review “Types of Periodicals”
Class Topic: Scholarly Journals
 LECTURE scholarly communication & open access
 ACTIVITY
 DISCUSS scholarly communication & open access
Homework
 READ:
 Review Chapter 5 pp. 76-95 Journal Databases
 HANDOUT: Review “Searching Databases Detailed Guide”
Class Topic: Scholarly Journals
 LAB: Team Assignment #4
 Exam Phase 1 Feedback appointments
Homework:
 DROPBOX: Upload Team Assignment #4 to dropbox
 DROPBOX: Upload Self/Peer Evaluation Form to dropbox
 WATCH database tutorials:
o MasterFILE
o ProQuest Newspapers
 HANDOUT: Review “Types of Periodicals”
Class Topic: Other Periodicals (newspapers & magazines)
 LECTURE
 The “other periodicals” spectrum
 DISCUSS readings
Class Topic: Other Periodicals
 LAB: Team Assignment #5
 Exam 1 Feedback appointments
Homework:
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011
INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
Week Date
10
A
B
11
A
B
A
Topics, Activities, Homework
 DROPBOX: Upload Team Assignment #5
 DROPBOX: Peer/Self Eval Form
 WATCH database tutorials:
o AltPress Watch
o Ethnic Newswatch
o Alt-Health Watch
 READ:
o Dodge, Chris. “Knowledge for Sale: Are America’s Public Libraries on the
Verge of Losing Their Way?”
o Eland, Thomas. “Critical Thinking, Deviant Knowledge and the Alternative
Press.”
o Stoddart, Richard and Teresa Kiser. “Zines and the Library”
o QUIZ: Complete Quiz #7 (covers alt press articles)
Class Topic: Alternative Press
 LECTURE
o “Alternative”
o MCTC’s Collection Development Policy Appendix A
 DISCUSS readings
Class Topic: Alternative Press
 LAB: Team Assignment #6
 Exam 1 Feedback appointments
Homework:
 DROPBOX: Upload Team Assignment #6 to dropbox
 DROPBOX: Upload Peer Evaluation Form to dropbox
Class Topic: Review & Begin Exam Phase 2
 LAB: Exam Phase 2
Class Topic: Exam Phase 2
 LAB: Exam Phase 2
Homework:
 DROPBOX: Upload Exam Phase 2 to dropbox
 READ: McKeen, William. “The Endangered Joy of Serendipity.” St. Petersburg
Times. 26 Mar 2006. Web.
 HANDOUT: Review “Some web 2.0 Definitions”
 WATCH:
o Common Craft Tutorials (pick 3)
Class Topic: Web Portals & Web 2.0
 WATCH: The Machine is Us/ing Us
 LECTURE
 DISCUSS
 ACTIVITY
Homework (to be completed for next class):
 READ:
o Badke Chapter 6
o Gabriel, Trip. “Plagiarism Lines Blur for Students in Digital Age.” New York
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011
INFS 1000: Information Literacy & Research Skills/2 credits (1 lecture & 1 lab) SYLLABUS
Week Date
B
Topics, Activities, Homework
Times. 1 Aug. 2010. Web.
 QUIZ: Complete Quiz #8 (covers Badke chapter 6)
Class Topic: Plagiarism, Intellectual Property & Copyright; Intellectual Freedom &
Censorship
 LECTURE
o MCTC College policy 4.04.01 (Student Code of Conduct)
o Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries
 WATCH: “A Fair(y) Use Tale”
 WATCH: “About Creative Commons”
 ACTIVITY
EXTRA CREDIT: Read the following article and take associated quiz to earn up to 5 extra
credit points:
Darton, Robert. “The Library in the New Age.” The New York Review of Books. 12
June 2008. 28 May 2008.
13
A
Class Topic: Exam 2 Feedback Appointments
14
B
A
Class Topic: Exam 2 Feedback Appointments
Class Topic: Review & Begin Exam 3
LAB: work on Exam 2
LAB: Work on Exam 3
LAB: Work on Phase 3
LAB: Work on Phase 3
Phase 3 Due
15
16
B
A
B
Created for INFS 1000, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Spring 2011