Course Syllabus

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Instructor: Laura Harris
E-mail: lharris@iliff.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Course Synopsis - Students will learn principles for the organization of information and elements of the research process. They will learn how to conduct research in a systematic, efficient and effective manner, using both print resources and electronic databases targeted to religion and theology. They will begin developing a habit of using a Research Journal.


Required Books for the Course

William Badke, Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog, 5th EDITION!!!. iUniverse, 2014. ISBN:9781491722336 (print); 9781491722343 (e-book)

Go to http://is.gd/NjqxIT for links to all available sources. If you search on Amazon or other online providers, be sure to add "5th edition" to your search terms. Otherwise, the 4th edition will come up.

Laura Harris, Understanding and Using the Library of Congress Subject Heading System. SimpleBooklet, 2013. E-book available free online at http://is.gd/9ALRjG. 

Laura Harris, The Research Process: An Interactive Guide. Draft copies of the chapters will be provided free to students.

Bring to class:

Laptop computer: If you do not have one, let me know and I’ll get one from IT for you to use in class.

Research journal in either print (spiral or composition book) or electronic format (on laptop hard drive or flashdrive or online such as Google Docs) with completed advance assignments. If you’re slow in using word-processing software and going from one screen to another, you may do better starting with a print format. Instructions for creating a Research Journal will be emailed to you.


Overview and Objectives:

Through this course, students will 

  • Understand how information is organized in the library, in library catalogs, and in databases

  • Develop a systematic process for research

  • Be able to accomplish the required tasks in each stage of the research process and understand that the process is iterative

  • Learn how to learn to use databases & new software

  • Be able to use research tools efficiently and effectively: concept maps, reference works and other print resources, library catalogs, article databases, etc.

  • Be able to develop search strategies using Library of Congress Subject Headings, Boolean operators, truncation, wild cards, etc.

  • Begin developing a habit of using a Research Journal

Degree Learning Goals

Support of degree learning goals: This course supports the learning goals of all degree programs by introducing students to specific resources for life-long learning in religion and theology, by developing student skills in locating and evaluating needed resources, by teaching organizational tools for research, and by familiarizing students with current protocols related to plagiarism and intellectual property.


Evaluation:

This course is Pass/Fail only, unless a student has a compelling need for a letter grade. The grading rubric may be found here: Grading Rubric for Pass-Fail.docx

Incompletes are not allowed in this course. There are no assigned papers or projects to be completed after the class sessions unless pre-class assignments were not up to par.

  1. ***All assignments need to be completed prior to the first class session.*** There are no assigned papers or projects to be completed after the class meets unless pre-class assignments were not up to par.

  2. Advance reading assignments in William Badke’s book will be posted in Canvas in advance of the class sessions.

  3. Draft copies of The Research Process: An Interactive Guide will be posted in Canvas in advance of the class sessions.

  4. Advance research assignments will be posted on Canvas in advance of the class sessions. Assignment List

  5. Attendance and participation: Students must attend all of both class sessions and participate in class discussions and activities.

  6. Research Journal: Students will create a Research Journal to record ideas, questions, keywords, Library of Congress subject headings, search strategies and search results. This will maximize efficiency by organizing information and avoiding duplicate searches.


Policies And Service 

Electronic Devices: Use of electronic devices during class is limited to that which is required for class work. 

Academic Integrity: All students are expected to abide by the Iliff statement on Academic Integrity published in the Masters Student Handbook.

Accommodations: Iliff engages in a collaborative effort with students with disabilities to make reasonable accommodations for student needs. Students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor to initiate the process of requesting accommodations. 

Inclusive Language: It is expected that all course participants will use inclusive language in speaking and writing, and will use terms that do not create barriers to classroom community.

Community Covenant: All participants in this class are expected to be familiar with Iliff’s Community Covenant, as posted on www.iliff.edu.

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due