Required Texts:

The Research Process: Books and Beyond, 4th edition by Myrtle S. Bolner & Gayle A. Poirier.

Optional Texts:

"MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers", 6th edition, by Joseph Gibaldi
"Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association", 5th edition

Other Skills or Technology:

Familiarity with basic computer skills suggested
Access to computer and email required (available through Mt. SAC Library and Learning Lab)

Course Description:

Students will learn basic research skills for lifelong information competency necessary for independent research and critical thinking. Topics include search strategies, citation, and use of library resources.

Learning STARTS WITH YOU and your contributions are valuable. You will learn a great deal from each other. You will get the most from this course if you come prepared, actively listen to others, and contribute your own ideas, experiences, and insights. I will collaborate with you to establish a safe and fun atmosphere. You will be expected to participate in small group exercises, class discussions, and the class discussion board. This class may make use of the Blackboard Academic Suite, available at http://mtsac.blackboard.com, and may include copies of all class assignments, lecture notes, handouts, and instructions.

Course requirements include doing the reading, attending class, participating in classroom discussion and exercises, completing and turning in class/homework assignments, and a final project.

Course Outline:

- Course overview
- The importance of research skills
- Choosing a topic
- Research resources overview
- Citation
- Creating the research question
- Keywords and subject headings
- Searching and Library catalog
- Advanced keywords and subject headings
- Power searching
- Using reference books
- Reference and book citations
- Re-evaluating the research question
- Censorship
- Copyright and plagiarism
- Research overview
- Final exam