Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title INFS 2915: Introduction to Information Literacy: Honors

Catalog Description

Credits 1
Hours/Week 1 (1 lecture)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 1/Written and Oral Communication

Course Description

This course is an advanced introduction to the organization, retrieval, and critical evaluation of information from print, electronic, and other non-print sources. One of Phi Theta Kappa's Honors Study Topic themes will unite traditional information literacy topics across the course. Students will learn how information is organized, the concepts of the information research process, and how to formulate effective search strategies. Students will critically evaluate information and use it ethically. Additionally, students will learn to apply the skills and concepts learned from this course to any research assignments, laying a foundation for academic success and lifelong learning.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

September, 2016

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Introduction to the selected Phi Theta Kappa Honors Study Topic
  2. Library Website Overview
  3. Organization of Information
  4. Research Processes
  5. Searching for Information
  6. Evaluating Sources
  7. Communicating Information
  8. Ethical Use of Information

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the organization, tools and vocabulary of an academic library.
  2. Identify an information need and formulate a research questions.
  3. Develop and implement an effective search strategy.
  4. Choose and evaluate the appropriateness of resources on a given topic.
  5. Organize information.
  6. Communicate information meaningfully and accurately.
  7. Ethically use information.
  8. Develop a plan for applying these concepts across a variety of courses.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 1

The student will be able to:

  1. Locate, evaluate, and synthesize in a responsible manner material from diverse sources and points of view.
  2. Select appropriate communication choices for specific audiences.
  3. Construct logical and coherent arguments.
  4. Use authority, point-of-view, and individual voice and style in their writing and speaking.
  5. Employ syntax and usage appropriate to academic disciplines and the professional world.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Communication
Students will communicate appropriately for their respective audiences.
Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None