Course Description

In this course we will explore issues in research and documentation for text (in print and online), images, sound, and multimedia. You will investigate where information comes from and how it is organized in both traditional and emerging media. We will examine the ethics of information use and determine how to critically evaluate sources. Throughout the course, you will create and present research and documentation projects using traditional and emerging media and technologies. This is a writing-intensive course. You should expect to spend 4-6 hours outside of class time preparing for class each week.

Course Objectives

For the successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Describe the ways that information is produced and organized in a variety of formats
• Create and articulate a relevant, manageable research topic for your assignments
• Successfully search for and acquire appropriate information about your research topic in a variety of media and formats
• Critically evaluate and select information sources for your assignments and projects
• Use information ethically and responsibly with an awareness of copyright and fair use
• Synthesize information on a topic from a variety of sources and present your analysis in writing and orally
• Collaborate with a group to complete, modify, and document a process online
• Apply documentation methods and citation styles appropriately in your own work