Required Texts:

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th edition

Optional Texts:

The Research Process: Books and Beyond, 4th edition by Myrtle S. Bolner & Gayle A. Poirier.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th 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:

Research methods necessary for independent research and critical thinking that support information competency.  Includes finding, evaluating, and documenting information using traditional and electronic resources, including the Internet.  Basic computer skills are necessary for searching, navigation, and citation.

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 through the Mt. SAC portal, 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 overview
- Information needs
- Importance of research skills
- Research process
- Topic selection
- Research resources
- Plagiarism
- Citation
- Research question development
- Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classification systems
- Library catalogs
- Keywords and subject headings
- Reference sources
- Reference and book citations
- Types of databases
- Search strategies
- Research question modification
- Subject-specific databases
- Database citations
- Internet and research
- Internet searches
- Internet citations
- Information evaluation
- Final examination