This course aims to instruct students in basic computer literacy and research skills. Students are required to attend workshop-style classes as well as lessons in the computer lab. Attendance for all components of the course is mandatory. Students are also required to meet with their instructors to discuss their final assignments.
The course aims to instruct students in the following:
•Computer literacy (word processing, using library catalogues, electronic databases and the Internet)
•Library resources (familiarity with the university library system and the sources available through the library’s electronic databases)
•Research skills (locating relevant print and electronic sources)
•Using sources (avoiding plagiarism, referencing, quoting and paraphrasing sources, evaluating sources, citing references and bibliography)
•Research writing (developing an argument, integrating sources, treating sources critically, acknowledging and referencing sources, formatting a paper, respecting deadlines).
By the end of the course students should be able to:
•Research a topic using the university library, electronic databases and the Internet
•Produce a typed, properly formatted academic paper that uses sources
•Integrate, reference and evaluate sources effectively using the required referencing system
•Write their own bibliography page
Method of assessment: Students are assessed on the basis of their fulfillment of in-class tasks, an in-class test, a take-home assignment as well as their final assignment.
