Credit Hours: 3 credits
Class Meeting: Tuesdays 5:10pm-7:40pm at Pangborn 302
Prerequisite: LSC553 Information Sources and Services (LSC633 only)
Office: CSL 422APhone: 202-319-6277Email: syn [at] cua [dot] eduOffice Hour: By appointmentThis course is designed for the student who wishes to develop advanced skills in using state-of-the-art information retrieval and analysis tools to locate and deliver information to meet specific information needs. It covers the theory and practice of information storage and retrieval; advanced techniques for identification and selection of sources; construction of search strategies; and the evaluation and post-processing of search results. Both open sources, such as web search engines, and commercial fee-based content collections are covered. While text- and document-based retrieval is emphasized, retrieval of images and other forms of information are also explored. The comparison and assessment of content collections and retrieval functionality are also addressed .
At the conclusion of this course, students will achieve four learning objectives:
Required Textbook:
Optional Textbooks:
Additional readings are assigned as necessary for each week’s lecture topic.
The following capabilities are required for course delivery:
The following technologies are taught as an essential part of this course:
There are three assignment for LSC433 and two assignments for LSC633. Each assignment is individual work and will incorporate the topics being covered. You are encouraged to ask me to review your draft before your final submission.
For students who are taking LSC633, there will be one take-home quiz. You are allowed to use any materials, including class resources and literature, to answer the questions. The quiz questions will be shared on week 4 and the answers should be submitted by week 6.
The topic for your research paper should pertain to one of the subject areas related in the course that has captured your interest (for example, types of search tools or methods). Your paper should be a standard research paper in both content and format. It should be approximately 5 pages for Undergraduate student (LSC433) and 8 pages for Graduate students (LSC633) in length, double-spaced not including cover page and bibliography, and follow APA citation style. You are encouraged to ask me throughout the research process or when you need my feedback before the final submission.
You are expected to come to class each week and read the assigned readings before the class. Each week is critical to your learning experience. The lecture notes and readings are intended to stimulate questions in addition to providing information. Exercises and other class activities are provided to help you learn and practice course material, especially specific techniques or tools. They will help you understand better when working on assignments.
Grades for LSC433 will be based upon the following elements:
Grades for LSC633 will be based upon the following elements:
Final grades will be assigned as follows:
The University grading system is available at http://policies.cua.edu/academicundergrad/gradesfull.cfm#II for undergraduates and http://policies.cua.edu/academicgrad//gradesfull.cfm#iii for graduate students. Reports of grades in courses are available at the end of each term on http://cardinalstation.cua.edu.
Academic honesty is expected of all CUA students. Faculty are required to initiate the imposition of sanctions when they find violations of academic honesty, such as plagiarism, improper use of a student's own work, cheating, and fabrication.
The following sanctions are presented in the University procedures related to Student Academic Dishonesty (from http://policies.cua.edu/academicundergrad/integrityprocedures.cfm): "The presumed sanction for undergraduate students for academic dishonesty will be failure for the course. There may be circumstances, however, where, perhaps because of an undergraduate student's past record, a more serious sanction, such as suspension or expulsion, would be appropriate. In the context of graduate studies, the expectations for academic honesty are greater, and therefore the presumed sanction for dishonesty is likely to be more severe, e.g., expulsion. ...In the more unusual case, mitigating circumstances may exist that would warrant a lesser sanction than the presumed sanction."
At times, I may ask you to do group work for an in-class presentation or group project. For that specific assignment, you are allowed to share material, ideas and information; however, for any related work that is to be submitted on an individual basis, I expect your submission to be your own in its entirety.
Please review the complete texts of the University policy and procedures regarding Student Academic Dishonesty, including requirements for appeals, at http://policies.cua.edu/academicundergrad/integrityfull.cfm and http://policies.cua.edu/academicundergrad/integrityprocedures.cfm. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Always cite your sources.
Attendance is required, in keeping with university policy. Any non-emergency absences must be approved by the instructor before the first class of the semester. Your class participation grade depends on being in class and actively participating in class and online. Arrive on time. Late arrival will affect your class participation grades.
If class is cancelled due to weather, illness or other emergency, check the online announcements the next day. We will generally hold class online when this happens.
Behave respectfully. Students are expected to behave respectfully at all times: while in class, in public discussion forums, and when using email. Participation grades will reflect a student’s maturity level and professionalism; cooperation and collaboration with the class; and whether the meaningfully contributes to course discussions.
No phone calls during class. Turn off or silence cell phones and pagers. Students leaving the room for calls may not be allowed to return to that class session.
No grade discussions in class. Instructor will not discuss grades in class. First consider why the instructor deducted points. If you still disagree, explain your disagreement in an e-mail to the instructor.
Any student with a disability that will require accommodation under the terms of federal regulations should present a written accommodation request to the instructor by the second week of classes meeting. The law includes accommodation for learning disabilities, Attention Deficient Disorder and anxiety disorders. It is also recommended that the student contact the Office of Disability Support Services (202-319-5211) located in suite 207 in the Pryzbyla Center. To read about the services and policies, please visit the website: http://dss.cua.edu/
A Guide for services and accommodations for students with disabilities can be found at: http://counsel.cua.edu/ADA/publications/disbro/contents.cfm
Some basic guidelines and links to other information may be found at: http://counsel.cua.edu/ADA/clicks/