Course Syllabus

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College Research Skills
(Library Science 101, Section 22327)

Welcome to the Library Science 101, College Research Skills. In this course, you will learn to develop skills essential to identifying, locating, evaluating, and referencing library and web resources that are useful in conducting a college-level research project.

This is a fully online course, so there is no required synchronous (a.k.a. real-time) meeting. However, this is not a self-paced class, and participation in discussions and other online activities are required, and all assignments, discussions, and class activities must be completed by the due date. Also, there will be optional meeting times that would give me a chance to get to know you,  hear your concerns, and answer your questions.

Over the next 8-weeks, we will work closely together as a team to learn from each other. I would like to assure you that I am here to help you succeed. You also have your peers in the class to learn from. Each of us has different skills, knowledge, and background, and we can help each other to succeed in this course. We only have to communicate clearly and respectfully, and let’s start and finish this course together!

About the Instructor 

  • Instructor: Parisa Samaie  
  • E-mail: samaiep@lasc.edu
  • Phone/Text (Google Voice):  657-233-1948
  • Contact me: The best way to contact me is via Canvas e-mail. 
  • Response time: 24-48 hours  

Class Information 

  • Course name: College Research Skills
  • Course and section numbers: Library Science 101, Section 16758
  • Prerequisite: None 
  • Location: Online  
  • Office Hours: Thursdays, 3:30 PM or by appointment 
  • Office Location: Online via Zoom

Important Dates

  • Class starts: 4/11/2022
  • Class ends: 6/6/2022
  • Drop without a "W": 04/20/2022
  • Last day to drop with a W: 5/23/2022
  • Last date to drop with a refund/no fee owed: 4/15/2022

Textbooks 

These textbooks are freely available to download. We will be reading selected chapters during this class. Links to the textbooks are provided above. 

We will also use MLA-style citations, but you do not need to purchase the book. There are many guides that can help you create MLA citations and format your paper. You can view the LASC Library MLA Guide [Link opens to an external page]. 

Technology Needs 

  • Computer and/or laptop with camera and microphone
    • Although this is an asynchronous class, we will have weekly office hours and optional class meetings. To have an engaging learning environment, I highly encourage you to use your camera and microphone when you join the office hours or during any optional meeting time.
  • If this is your first online course and you need help with Canvas, here is a quick guide: Click Here
  • The most recent version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome to use as your browser. Both can be downloaded for free. 
  • Microsoft Word or Microsoft Office. Office365 can be accessed through your student email address (xxxxx@student.laccd.edu). 
  • Some instructional documents throughout the course will be provided in PDF format, so please update your Adobe Reader to the current version. This software is free and can be downloaded from Adobe's website at http://get.adobe.com/reader
  • Do you need a computer? Request a loaner laptop from the library (Click here to request a loaner device)
  • Do you need a hotspot or WiFi? Request a loaner hotspot from LACCD Foundation (Click here to request a loaner hotspot)

Grading 

  • 90 and above = A  
  • 80–89 points = B  
  • 70–79 points = C  
  • 60–69 points= D 
  • Less than 60 points= F

Graded Assignments 

Assignments Possible Points
Quizzes 14
Weekly Assignments 28
Weekly Discussions 33
Final Project 25

Incompletes will be granted in unforeseen and extraordinary circumstances and at the discretion of the instructor. Note: Incompletes will not be given to replace a failing grade.

Evaluation 

Course evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

  • Weekly discussions and assignments
  • Research log
  • Annotated bibliography (Final week)
  • Reflection essay (Final week)
  • Final Project/Assignment
    • Individual paper or Group Presentation (students will vote for either option in the "Getting to Know You Student Survey" during the first week of class, and it will be up to a majority vote)
  • Class participation

Note: To receive a passing grade in this course, students must turn in all required coursework (including the reflection essay, annotated bibliography, and the final project, earning 70 points or higher). In other words, students’ grade in this class is dependent on successful performance in all areas of the class, not just one area. All components must be successfully completed to receive a passing grade. 

Course Organization

  1. The course is organized into 8 units (One through eight), and they are designed to be completed sequentially. The course is made up of reading assignments, videos, quizzes, interactive tutorials, research activities, and class discussions.   
  2. The questions from the interactive tutorials are for extra credit assignments. 
  3. This is an online class, and all online classes at LASC use Canvas as the Learning Management System. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they can log into Canvas, Student Portal, and Student Email.
  4. Note: The class will be accessible in Canvas starting the first day of the class, April 11.
  5. Final exam or group presentation instead! In the "getting to know your student survey," the last question asks each student if they prefer to take an individual final exam or turn in a group presentation. On the first day of Week 2, I will have the results of the survey. We will go with the majority vote.

Student Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate the ability to retrieve, manipulate, evaluate, and utilize relevant information across discipline lines 
  • Demonstrate the ability to research and write a bibliography using MLA or APA Citation Style 
  • Evaluate authority, relevance, timeliness, and accuracy of retrieved information resources

Course Materials 

  • The most recent version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome to use as your browser. Both can be downloaded for free. 
  • Microsoft Word or Microsoft Office. Office365 can be accessed through your student email address (xxxxx@student.laccd.edu). 
  • Some instructional documents throughout the course will be provided in PDF format, so please update your Adobe Reader to the current version. This software is free and can be downloaded from Adobe's website at http://get.adobe.com/reader. 
  • A notebook for taking notes while you look at course materials. 

Course Objectives 

  • Identify different types of libraries, recognize library classification systems, and locate resources and services available in the campus library. 
  • Identify steps of the library research process, choose a research topic, and identify keywords and synonyms. 
  • Identify parts of a citation for books, articles, and other sources. 
  • Construct a research question/tentative thesis statement. 
  • Utilize specialized online databases to locate background information and sources for further reading. 
  • Prepare a working outline for a research paper. 
  • Search for print and e-books for a chosen topic by author, title, subject, and/or keyword in the online book catalog and in the library’s e-book databases. 
  • Evaluate book retrieval lists for relevance. Utilize call numbers to find print books on the shelf. 
  • Evaluate print books for relevance. 
  • Based on background research, formulate, and execute a search strategy to locate authoritative articles in print or online. 
  • Use citation styles to cite sources—principally MLA. Demonstrate an understanding of plagiarism and copyright. Create summaries and paraphrases of an original text correctly. 
  • Distinguish between search engines and browsers 
  • Apply keyword search strategies to research on the internet and locate one authoritative web resource on your chosen research topic. 
  • Submit Annotated Bibliography & Research Paper 
  • Reflect on the library research process 

Wearing Masks/Facial Covering on Campus (COVID-19)

In compliance with Health Orders from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the Los Angeles Community College District, Board Policy 2800, approved August 4, 2021, all students, employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, shall wear a mask or face covering while inside any District building, classroom, library, gymnasium, facility or another indoor setting. These requirements are in place to fulfill the Board’s statutory obligation to protect its students, faculty, employees, and visitors from the risks associated with the spread of infectious diseases, including the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants. Students who fail to wear a mask/face covering while indoors at all LACCD colleges and facilities, including classrooms and the library, will be asked to either comply or to leave the classroom immediately.

Exceptions to the mask/facial covering requirement are that the student has a valid medical exception currently on file in their college’s Disabled Student Programs and Services / Office of Special Services (DSPS/OSS) office, such as a medical condition, including mental health or disability, that prevents wearing a mask, or, for students who are hearing impaired or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

Rules of Conduct and Course Policies

A student enrolling in one of the Los Angeles Community Colleges may rightfully expect that the faculty and administrators will maintain an environment in which there is the freedom to learn. This requires that there be appropriate conditions and opportunities in the classroom and on campus. As members of the College Community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth, and to exercise their rights to free inquiry and free speech in a responsible, non-violent manner. Students shall respect and obey civil and criminal law and shall be subject to legal penalties for violation of laws of the City, County, State, and Nation. Student conduct in all the Los Angeles Community Colleges must conform to District and College rules and regulations. Violations of such rules and regulations, for which students are subject to disciplinary action. See the College Catalog https://www.lasc.edu/Documents/2021-22-Catalog-Update.pdf -   for more information.

Attendance

Even though this is an online course, attendance and participation are mandatory. Attendance in an online course is measured by your participation and contribution to the weekly discussions and activities. Please remember the following:

  • It is very important that you complete the Syllabus Quiz by Thursday, October 29, before midnight. If you do not complete the syllabus course, you will be considered inactive and dropped from the course.
  • This is NOT a self-paced course. It is an asynchronous online course, which means you can do the work when it fits your schedule. However, you must submit all the work by the assigned deadline.
  • This is an 8-week course, and you must keep up with the weekly work.
    • I suggest that you log in at least once a day to keep up with the due dates, announcements, discussions, and other activities.
  • Being an active student means you must participate and contribute to the discussions. Logging in alone does not mean you are active.
  • If you know you will miss a significant amount of time because of a planned event, let me know in advance so I can open activities ahead of time for you.

Drop Policy 

  • If you do not complete the Syllabus Quiz by the due date (October 31) and/or have not logged in for seven consecutive days, you will be considered inactive and may be dropped from the class.
  • Students are responsible for dropping any classes. The instructor may drop you for failure to attend, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you are officially dropped to avoid a record of enrollment such as a W or a failing grade or fee liability.  
  • Students with excessive absences may be dropped from the course. Please refer to page 51 of the LASC 2020-21 College Catalog for more information. 

Preparedness

  • An online class can require more self-discipline than a face-to-face one.
  • You need to do the assigned readings before posting to the discussions and make time to give thoughtful responses to other students’ essays, to take in the responses you get from your peers and from me.
  • You are responsible for finding the uninterrupted time to complete the assignments and quizzes.

Netiquette

Netiquette refers to the correct and acceptable way to communicate online. It is the code of online etiquette you should follow, especially when in an academic or professional setting. This rule is applicable to both synchronous and asynchronous communication. As you are required to participate in class discussions, you may not agree with the views and opinions expressed by your peers, but you do not have the right to be disrespectful. Personal attacks, profanity, vulgarity, and comments that are not productive additions to the conversation are not allowed, and the instructor has the right to delete such comments, and students will not receive points for the assignment. Please visit the netiquette guide for more information.

Netiquette Reminders:

  • Use formal English in all writing discussions and assignments
  • Use respectful and appropriate language in your forum discussion and in all areas of the class.
  • Texting language is NOT acceptable (LOL, ikr, etc.).
  • Avoid using CAPS as they come across as YOU ARE SHOUTING.
  • All messages in discussion forums are public. Please be mindful of your tone and be courteous and respectful when you post.
  • Use a person’s name when you reply to their post.
  • Complete sentences and thoughts are mandatory for discussion posts.
  • Please use the “inbox” within the course management system (CMS) to send a message to your Instructor.
  • Please use the appropriate subject line when emailing your instructor.

Contact Information 

  • Instructor/Library Department Chair: Parisa Samaie 
  • Dean of Academic Affairs
  • Vice President of Academic Affairs: Dr. Lawrence Bradford 

Campus Resources

Grievances 

Anyone who believes a college decision has adversely affected status, rights, and/or privilege as a student should consult the instructor for resolution, and, if needed, confer with the Department Chair, as the second level of authority if no resolution is found. Beyond that, the student can make an appointment with the Dean if there is still no resolution. The Dean may refer the grievance to the Dean of Student Services. 

Title IX  

Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. It means Title IX protects any person from sex-based discrimination, regardless of their real or perceived sex, gender identity, and/or gender expression. All female, male, and gender non-conforming individuals are protected from any sex-based discrimination, harassment, or violence. Any sexual violence or physical abuse, as defined by California law, whether committed by an employee, student, or member of the public, occurring on the college-owned or controlled property, at college-sponsored or supervised functions, or related to or arising from college attendance or activity is a violation of District policies and regulations, and is subject to all applicable punishment, including criminal and/or civil prosecution and employee or student discipline procedures. For more information,  Jeanette Magee (LASC Title IX College Coordinator Office number: (323) 241-5274 Email: mageejm@lasc.edu). 

Our Course Website in Canvas

Accessibility  

Los Angeles Southwest College is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me. If you have a disability or think you may have a disability, you may also want to meet with the Office of Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S) to begin this conversation or request an official accommodation. You can find more information about the Office of Accessible Education and Student Support, including contact information, here: https://www.lasc.edu/services/disabled-students-program-services. If you have already been approved for accommodations through the Office of DSP&S, please meet with me so we can develop an implementation plan together. 

Course Overview and Description 

Students will develop skills to find, evaluate, and cite resources available in an academic library or online. These skills will help students become stronger researchers and life-long learners. The course is divided into 8 Units. 

Academic Integrity

  • While certain activities assigned may be specified as collaborative work, it is expected that the remainder of the assignments is the original work of the student. Cheating of any kind (including plagiarism) will result in a “0” for that assignment and, at the instructor’s discretion, may result in an “F” for the course.
  • Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s words or ideas as your own (for example, checking the internet for a little information on a subject and then using that information as if it were something you thought of). It also consists of cheating on quizzes or exams or having someone else write your essays for you.
  • Any student who presents another’s work as their own will fail this course and risk further action taken by L.A. Southwest College and the L.A. Community College District, including expulsion from the college. Failure to complete the final project or cheating of any kind on the final paper will result in an “F” in the course regardless of the semester average. 

Late Assignments 

There are no late exams/quizzes allowed without emergency documentation. If you feel that you have a situation that constitutes an emergency, please email me.  

There is a 24-hour late period for homework and discussions to be submitted at a reduced point value (a 10% reduction). That means you have 24 hours to submit late work after the due date, but your score will automatically be reduced by a full letter grade when submitted late. 

How to Succeed in an Online Class

  • Be prepared to participate in course discussions and activities. Submit assignments on or before their due dates. Complete assigned readings prior to deadlines.
  • Technology plays an important role in learning and research today. You will use online tools and resources to complete assignments and activities.
  • Proofread your work: This is a transfer-level college course. Take time to do careful, thorough, and thoughtful work. Students will lose points for submitting work with a poor expression of concepts or thoughts, constant errors in writing, or lack of proofreading.
  • Communication is the key to succeeding in an online course. Ask me if you do not know or are unsure about anything! I highly encourage you to use campus resources, especially tutoring. 

Inclusive Environment 

I value students’ diverse backgrounds and experiences and encourage students in my classes to share their goals with other students through discussion. I encourage everyone to be respectful of each other’s differences so that everyone would be comfortable asking questions and sharing and expressing their opinions without any fear of judgment. Failure to respect others’ differences will end in disciplinary action dropped from the course and reported to the Deans of Student Services. 

Method of Instruction and Assessment of Learning

We will use a variety of methods to cover the course contents, such as lectures, presentations, collaborative discussions, group activities, and more. We will also use various learning tools such as Canvas, videos, presentations, hands-on activities, reading requirements, and additional resources as needed to explain abstract concepts in the course.  As we move through the term, you will be assessed on the mastery of smaller concepts through weekly quizzes, participation in group activities, hands-on exercises, and class discussions. Each week you should be making progress on your final research project and annotated bibliography. 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due