Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Information Literacy (Face-to-Face)

INFO 1010-15

Course: INFO 1010-15
Credits: 1
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: LIB
CRN: 32813

Course Description

An introduction to the library research process and related information skills such as developing a research question, searching, finding, and evaluating information, synthesizing information across sources, using information ethically, and reflecting on the research process. (As Needed) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): None General Education Category: Integrated Learning Equivalent Course(s): INFO 2010

Required Texts

You do not need to buy a textbook for this course. All course materials for INFO 1010 are provided online as part of the course modules. For information about the Canvas Learning Management System and technology requirements see the sections Canvas Information and Technology Information below.

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Because this is a class with online components, access to a computer or device with an Internet connection is required. Much of your work will be completed in the Canvas learning management system (LMS), which may be accessed through the mySUU portal. You may be required to use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and other software that is readily available to you as a student, such as Zoom.

INTERNET EXPLORER NOTE: Please do not use Internet Explorer for this class as it does not work well with Canvas. Select another browser such as Chrome or Firefox.

Learning Outcomes

Analyze information critically to solve real-world problems, issues, and challenges;  Use the appropriate skills and technologies to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesize, attribute, and share information effectively and ethically; Apply integrative thinking to make connections across disciplines and sources; Reflect on the learning process to deepen understanding and consider transferability across knowledge environments.

Course Requirements

Note on our "low-tech classroom"


While students are required to use online systems to complete some assigned tasks, digital technologies (computers and other digital devices), we will maintain a "low-tech classroom." This means that digital devices will only be permitted for specific tasks, and must be put away at all other times. This includes laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Students will need a notebook to take handwritten notes, and materials for in-class activities will be provided. All major assignments will also be completed on printed worksheets, and written by hand. The purpose of the low-tech classroom is to eliminate digital distraction and reduce reliance on digital tools that degrade the learning process, such as generative AI.  

Quizzes, Assignments, and Presentations (check the course schedule for deadlines)


In-class Participation (10% of your grade): Students will receive points for in-class participation that will add up to 10% of the overall grade in the class. Points may be made up for excused absences, but not for unexcused absences.

Quizzes (10% of your grade): There are 6 online quizzes based on the weekly learning materials (readings, videos) for each module, with additional questions about materials from previous modules. This means quizzes have a varying number of questions. Each quiz can be taken twice, with the highest score kept as your grade for that quiz. You will have one hour to complete each quiz. The final quiz in Module 6 contains questions about materials from all modules. Quizzes must be submitted no later than the assigned due date. You may use your course materials and notes to complete the quiz.

Research Assignments (50% of your grade): There are 4 research assignments where you apply the skills you learn in the weekly course modules. Each assignment has a standard worksheet that will be printed by the instructor and given to you during the first class period of the Module. The worksheet will give detailed instructions prompting you to perform research tasks using online systems, such as databases. You will then report the results by hand in the provided worksheet (you must write legibly to receive credit). You will turn in the printed worksheet to the instructor in class on the due date. If you are absent the day your instructor hands out the worksheet, you must retrieve a copy from the instructor's office.

Research Journal (10% of your grade): You will maintain a weekly, handwritten research journal (notebook, binder, or other paper-based format) in which you will include notes about your learning process (quiz weeks) and research experience (research weeks). Prompts will be provided in each module. Weekly entries will be checked in class by the instructor. 

Final Project (20% of your grade). The Final Project is the culmination of the course and research process as it is creating and sharing your research experience through 4-6 minute presentation. This will include presenting your research experience to the class in our "mini-conference." This will include a short slideshow presentation in class, as well as printed copies of all sources used for the presentation, marked by hand. You will be required to not only present your research, but also attend your classmate's presentations and offer comments and ask questions.

All other course requirements will be provided by the instructor.

Course Outline

Module 1: Intro to Information Literacy
Module 2: Planning and Research Topics 
Module 3: Searching 
Module 4: Finding and Evaluating 
Module 5: Synthesizing Information 
Module 6: Disseminate 

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

 Each assignment in this course builds on the last. As a result, late work will not be accepted unless an arrangement with your instructor is made. Approved late work may be subject to a penalty. 

Attendance Policy

Attend class and engage with the online course content: Because this is a face-to-face class, attendance is required. In-class participation points will add up to 10% of the overall grade. Students may make up missed points for excused absences only. The American education system has standardized course credits so that academic qualifications are compatible across colleges and universities. Students should be expected to spend 3 hours per week for every 1 credit hour: one hour of class time, plus two hours outside of class working to achieve the learning outcomes through homework. For online classes without scheduled class time this means you can expect to spend approximately 3 hours a week on INFO 1010. 

Course Fees

Generative AI Policy

Generative AI (GAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, Grok, or Google Gemini, may not be used for any work in this course. It is the instructors belief that the use of GAI undermines the development of the research skills students are meant to learn in this course. Thinking is fundamental to Information Literacy. The use of GAI, even for brainstorming topics or locating sources, undermines the types of thinking required to find, evaluate, and ethically use information. Research can be challenging, especially when learning to use new information retrieval tools like library databases. Real learning happens when students work through challenges. Your mind is the most powerful tool you have. This course offers a chance to develop your mind in ways that will benefit you in school and in life. Do not rob yourself of that opportunity by outsourcing your thinking to GAI. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.