Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Information Literacy (Online)

INFO 1010-41I

Course: INFO 1010-41I
Credits: 1
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Library & Information Science
CRN: 32630

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.

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
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.

Participation in this course will require basic technology used for all online classes at Southern Utah University:

Learning Outcomes

This course is a General Education (GE) designated class and fulfills the University learning outcomes for Information Literacy.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:
  1. Follow the library research process to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesize, attribute, and share information effectively and ethically.
  2. Examine academic research to gain understanding and extract insights for further applications.
  3. Apply critical thinking to make connections between concepts and ideas, across sources and disciplines.
  4. Consider using the systematic approach of the library research process for future personal or professional information needs.

Course Requirements

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

  • Quizzes (10% of your grade). There are 6 quizzes based on the weekly material for each module. Quizzes have a varying number of questions. Each quiz can be taken two times, with the highest score kept as your grade for that quiz. You will have 2 minutes per question to complete each quiz. You may use your course materials and notes to complete the quiz.
  • Assignments (60% of your grade).  There are 2 assignments per module in Modules 1-5, for a total of 10 assignments, where you apply the skills you learn in the weekly course modules and progress through the research process. Many of the assignments have a Google Docs worksheet that you download/make a copy of, fill out, and submit to Canvas. If you do not have these capabilities on your personal computer, the software is available on all of the machines in the Library computer lab. Also, as a student at SUU, you can download Microsoft Word for free from the SUU Portal (Log in with your SUU credentials).
  • Final Project (30% of your grade). The Final Project and Reflection are the culmination of the course and research process, as they involve creating and sharing your research through a chosen dissemination modality and reflecting on the research process as a whole. For the final project you present your research to the class, either in person (face-to-face courses) or through an online forum (online courses), and interact with your classmates' presentations.

Course Outline

  • Module 1: AI & Information Literacy
    • Module 1 Readings
    • Module 1 Quiz
    • Assignment 1.1: Introduction Discussion
    • Assignment 1.2: AI Philosophy
  • Module 2: Planning and Research Topics
    • Module 2 Readings
    • Module 2 Quiz
    • Assignment 2.1: Picking a Research Topic
    • Assignment 2.2: AI Prompting and Keywords 
  • Module 3: Searching
    • Module 3 Readings
    • Module 3 Quiz
    • Assignment 3.1: Database Search Strategies
    • Assignment 3.2: AI as Your Search Partner
  • Module 4: Finding and Evaluating
    • Module 4 Readings
    • Module 4 Quiz
    • Assignment 4.1: Evaluating Sources Used for Research
    • Assignment 4.2: Evaluating AI Output
  • Module 5: Synthesizing Information
    • Module 5 Readings
    • Module 5 Quiz
    • Assignment 5.1: Synthesizing Information
    • Assignment 5.2: AI Tools for Information Synthesis
  • Module 6: Disseminating Your Research
    • Module 6 Readings
    • Module 6 Quiz
    • Assignment 6.1: Final Project
    • Assignment 6.2: Final Reflection

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

Due Dates:

  • Deadlines & Built-In Flexibility Because each assignment in this course builds directly on the last, staying on schedule keeps you on track for success. As a result, late work will not be accepted, so to help you navigate unexpected life events while maintaining momentum, this course includes built-in flexibility
    • Automatic 2-Day Grace Period: Standard assignments automatically include a penalty-free 2-day grace period. If you need an extra 48 hours to complete your work, take it—no extension request required!
    • Discussion Board Exception: Because peer interactions rely on live collaboration, the grace period does not apply to discussion board posts.
    • Quizzes: Quizzes are structured to help you check your understanding as we cover new concepts. While each quiz has a recommended due date to help you stay on track, all quizzes remain accessible until the final day of the course so you can complete them when you are best prepared.
    • Proactive Communication: If circumstances arise that will prevent you from submitting work past the grace period, please reach out to me as early as possible so we can work together on a plan to keep you moving forward. Approved late work may be subject to a penalty.
  • Discussion Board Assignments
    • Deadlines: Complete Assignment 1.1 (Introduction) and Assignment 6.1 (Final Project) on or before the posted due dates.
    • Peer Engagement: Post early so your classmates have time to review your work and offer feedback before the board closes.
    • Late Policy: Discussion boards close permanently on the due date and will not be reopened for late or missing submissions.
  • Resubmissions & Continuous Learning Learning is an iterative process, and mistakes are part of mastering new skills! If you score below 80% on an assignment, you are welcome to revise and resubmit your work to improve both your understanding and your grade.
    • Eligibility & Window: You may resubmit qualifying assignments up to 7 days after feedback is posted. Just keep in mind that no resubmissions will be accepted after the course officially ends.
    • Staying Proactive: Check your gradebook feedback regularly so you don't miss your revision window.
    • Balancing Your Work: Revising work helps build mastery, but it does not delay the deadlines for upcoming assignments. Be sure to schedule your time to cover both!

Attendance Policy

  •  This is a fully online, asynchronous course with no required in-person attendance or set meeting times.
  • Attend class and engage with the online course content: 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 a scheduled class time, this means you can expect to spend approximately 3 hours a week on INFO 1010. 
  • Check Canvas Notifications: Make sure you don't miss deadlines. Course information and deadline alerts are sent through Canvas, depending on how you've set up your Profile and Notifications. Visit the course regularly, so that you can get these alerts.

Student Responsibilities

  • INFO 1010 Academic Integrity Policy: Course requirements (i.e., assignments, exams, and quizzes) must be completed independently. If I find that you have been dishonest in completing any course requirement, you will receive a zero for that work and may fail the course and receive further disciplinary action from the University. You should be familiar with your responsibilities and rights as an SUU student.
  • Generative AI Use: The use of generative AI tools is only allowed in the contexts described in each assignment. Whether or not you can use AI to complete an assignment will be indicated on each assignment page. Some assignments will require heavy use of AI and others will not allow the use at all, to allow you to develop the skills you need independent from AI. AI use is NOT permitted in any other instances, including using an AI to complete any coursework for you. Unauthorized uses of AI violates SUU's POLICY #6.33: Academic Misconduct, (Links to an external site).and will be handled accordingly. When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification.
  • Writing: Students are expected to communicate clearly and thoroughly, using writing appropriate for undergraduate-level coursework. The SUU Undergraduate Writing Center (Links to an external site) welcomes student writers at every skill and confidence level and at every stage of the writing process because every writer needs a reader. Tutoring is available online, in person, or through written feedback. 

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.