This one-credit course is offered through the COAS in Liberal Arts & Sciences. As of Fall 2005, it is required as one of the Fundamental Literacies in the General Education program. Here is a description of the Information Literacy component of the Gen Ed program:

Thanks to the explosive growth of electronic means of communication and data storage, an individual's access to information is now practically unlimited. It is imperative that today's university graduate develop skills in finding and evaluating information, both in print and in electronic form. The campus-wide general education curriculum requires students to demonstrate competence in modern information gathering and evaluation, by successful completion of a course that provides students with an understanding of the organization of knowledge and information, including terminology and types of resources available; teaches students how to construct a research question and form a research strategy, including the selection of appropiate research tools; provide students with the theory, skills and technique required to be an effective online database searcher; requires students to apply knowledge gained about types of resources, search strategy and the organization of information to the critical evaluation and use of materials; introduces students to issues regarding the ethical and legal use of information; and encourages students to develop research skills and habits that will contribute to their success as students and future professionals.

Here is a sample syllabus . For more information, contact: Nancy Wootton Colborn, Coordinator of Library Instruction and Staff Development, (574) 520-4321