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SSC 115 Research Success Strategies

This course introduces the student to basic information literacy skills that include how to access, locate, evaluate, and use information sources in a variety of formats. Students are introduced to the role of library resources in the research process. Topics include how to create a search strategy for finding information, use print and electronic resources to locate information, critically evaluate and analyze information sources, and properly cite information.

Credits

1

Prerequisite

Prerequisite:None

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

SSC 115 Research Success Strategies

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Stanton
  • Wilmington

Prerequisites

Prerequisite:None

Course Credits and Hours

1 credit(s)

1 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces the student to basic information literacy skills that include how to access, locate, evaluate, and use information sources in a variety of formats. Students are introduced to the role of library resources in the research process. Topics include how to create a search strategy for finding information, use print and electronic resources to locate information, critically evaluate and analyze information sources, and properly cite information.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Determine the nature and extent of information needed to identify a suitable research topic and formulate a search strategy to find that information. (CCC 5)
  2. Recognize and identify various types and formats of information resources. (CCC 5)
  3. Use basic reference sources, the online library catalog and databases, and the Internet to locate and retrieve information for a selected topic. (CCC 5)
  4. Evaluate and analyze information sources. (CCC 5)
  5. Examine economic, legal, and social issues regarding the use and access of information in order to use information ethically. (CCC 4, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Determine the nature and extent of information needed to identify a suitable research topic and formulate a search strategy to find that information.
    1. Analyze an assignment and determine the extent of information needed.
    2. Narrow or broaden a topic to achieve a manageable focus.
    3. Develop a research question.
    4. Identify keywords, synonyms, and related terms for the information needed.
    5. Create a search strategy using Boolean searching and truncation.
  2. Recognize and identify various types and formats of information resources.
    1. Identify the differences between scholarly and non-scholarly information.
    2. Describe the parts of a typical scholarly article.
    3. List characteristics and appropriate uses of various types of books.
    4. Identify the parts of a book, and describe the purpose of each.
    5. Describe characteristics and appropriate uses of various types of periodicals.
    6. Identify characteristics and appropriate uses of library databases.
    7. Identify the sources and types of Web-based information.
  3. Use basic reference sources, the online library catalog and databases, and the Internet to locate and retrieve information for a selected topic.
    1. Apply an effective search strategy to find information needed.
    2. Search the college's online library catalog by keyword, title, author, or subject.
    3. Interpret a library catalog record.
    4. Determine the location, collection, and call number of an item in library catalog.
    5. Identify information needed to place a hold on items in library catalog.
    6. Search an online periodical database by subject or keyword.
    7. Interpret a periodical citation.
    8. Identify information needed to complete interlibrary loan requests.
    9. Use various Internet search engines.
  4.  Evaluate and analyze information sources.
    1. Evaluate the currency of the source using specific criteria.
    2. Analyze the relevance of the source using specific criteria.
    3. Evaluate the authority of the source using specific criteria.
    4. Analyze the accuracy of the source using specific criteria.
    5. Evaluate the purpose of the source using specific criteria.
  5. Examine economic, legal, and social issues regarding the use and access of information in order to use information ethically.
    1. Define plagiarism, and articulate the possible implications of representing work attributable to others as his/her own.
    2. Consistently cite different types of information sources using an approved format.
    3. Identify issues related to free versus fee-based access to information.
    4. Discuss copyright, and articulate the possible consequences of copyright violation.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Weight

Keyword/Topic Development Project â€" Formative

7.5%

Research Question Worksheet â€"    Summative

   

5%

Publication Exercise - Formative

 

7.5%

Publication Types Quiz â€" Summative

10%

Database & Internet Search/Retrieval Project - Formative

10%

Evaluating Resources and Annotation Assignment - Formative

25%

APA Formatted Annotated Bibliography Final Project - Summative

35%

TOTAL

100%

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal