A. University Studies Component Form: Information Literacy
I. Rationale
Please provide a rationale for the course which explains how the course being proposed fits into this
component based on the component's description. For your convenience, the overall description and rationale
for this component are included below.
Overall Description and Rationale for Information Literacy Courses
This component of the University Studies program is designed to foster the development of
students’ information literacy skills by requiring three information literacy intensive courses: The
First Year Experience and two additional information literacy intensive courses, with at least one in
the major field of study. The American Library Association has defined information literacy as “a
set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to
locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." Information literacy skills have
become crucial for any lifelong learner, in part, due to rapidly changing information technologies
and increased access to a variety of information resources. A student’s ability to make critical
choices about information is essential during his or her college career and beyond. Information
literacy is essential in all disciplines and achieving information literacy skills positions students for
academic, professional, and personal success.
Brief Statement of Rationale for Course's Inclusion in Information Literacy Courses
MUS 110 Inroduction to Music Technology provides a basic overview of music
technology. Survey of software applications for music writing, recording, editing,
research, computer-assisted instruction, MIDI, and related Internet resources.
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II. Common Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Each course must address all of the Common Student Learning Outcomes for the component, and list these
Common SLOs along with course-specific SLOs in the model course syllabus (to be attached). For each
Common SLO, list the course SLOs that address the common SLO, describe the opportunities which will be
provided for students to learn the outcome (readings, class discussion and/or activities, applied projects), and
list the means of assessment (exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.) that will be used to determine the level of
student understanding.
IL 1. Be able to determine the nature and extent of information needed to solve a problem.
Course SLO(s) to Address IL1
• Students will determine the most appropriate software and hardware tools to solve
proposed problems or tasks.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
Assignments and projects in the form of proposed problems or tasks will be presented
regularly throughout the course. They will be accompanied by assigned readings with
relevant terms and concepts. Students will engage in discussions about the
technology and required readings.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Graded tests, unit projects, and periodic assigments will address appropriate
technology and related content from the assigned readings.
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IL 2. Access information effectively and efficiently from a variety of sources.
Course SLO(s) to Address IL2
• Students will access information on music technology from a variety of print, online,
and software-specific sources.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
Students will complete several software-specific assigments requiring them to access
information from respective "help" files. Students will also review the information they
gathered from a variety of sources in class discussions. Including the Internet, these
sources will broaden students' understanding of these software applications and
strengthen their self-directed instruction. Assigned readings to explore these issues
will also be used.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Periodic assignments and unit projects will address students' acquisition of information
about music technology and its effective use from a variety of sources.
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IL 3. Evaluate information critically and incorporate appropriate information into his or her
knowledge base.
Course SLO(s) to Address IL3
• Students will critically evaluate information gained from a variety of sources on music
technology.
• Students will incorporate and assimilate information they gain into critical reviews of
music technology and software.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
Throughout the semester, students will critically evaluate a variety of music software
and music technology, including computer assisted instruction. Through these and
other activities, they will make music, read articles, write reflectively, and engage in
course discussions that examine the role of technology in enhancing music. Group
and individual assignments will lead students to a better understanding of and
appreciation for the power of technology in a variety of musical contexts.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Graded tests and periodic assignments will address students' ability to critically
evaluate information on music technology. Graded class participation regarding
assigned readings and other activities will also address how students incorporate this
information into critical reviews of music technology and software.
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IL 4. Individually, or as a member of a group, use information effectively to accomplish a
specific purpose.
Course SLO(s) to Address IL4
• Students will use information gained from a variety of sources to accomplish
assigned projects in music technology.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
Unit projects will frame instruction in a variety of music software and hardware. The
projects are preceded by assigned readings, discussions, and in-class presentations.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Periodic unit projects will be completed individually to address students'
accomplishment of these tasks in music technology.
Submission instructions:
Please submit cover form, all component forms, a model syllabus, and College/School’s course
action form (if needed) to your department chair. Department chairs should then submit these
forms, syllabus, and course action form (if needed) in one email message to
universitystudies@uncw.edu from their UNCW email address.
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