Assignment Outcomes
Students will be able to find a librarian in order to ask relevant questions to their research.
Students will be able to identify a credible, academic source.
Students will be able to create a correct MLA citation for a source.
Students will be able to understand the differences between summary and critique and produce both for a source.
Students will be able to demonstrate a level-appropriate research process and source search strategy.
Relevant Course Outcome
Students will be able to identify the steps of the research process and apply information literacy skills in a variety of contexts.
Link to Assignment Introduction Given in Class
Citation Style: MLA (see Purdue Owl for style guide)
Requirements: follow Writing Expectations
Turn In: on Google Classroom
Instructions:
Items to find in the Source Scavenger Hunt:
1) Decide which of your Mini-Essays you are going to expand for the final assignment, the Expanded Mini-Essay, and decide on your thesis.
2) A signed Library Visit Form OR Copy of Chat Transcript/Email with Librarian
Before talking with a librarian, you must complete this worksheet. The responses will help you speak more effectively with a librarian and maximize your time as well as theirs.
To find the list of Readings Lenses we have discussed, previously see the "How to Read and Take Notes" resource (list is halfway down the page).
To avoid scheduling issues, make life easier for the librarians, and receive better assistance, book an appointment by clicking here and going to "Schedule Research Appointment."
If physically going to the library:
Print the Library Visit Form.
Go to the library and consult with one of the librarians about your research.
Have your librarian fill out the Library Visit Form.
Scan or take a photo of the form and include it in the assignment you turn in.
If talking to a librarian through chat/email:
Start a chat with a librarian here. OR email with a FSU librarian. Information on the Research and Citation Help Page.
Consult with one of the librarians about your research.
Save the chat or the email and include it in your assignment you turn in.
3) A search log, detailing how you found the source, including:
Cut and paste this template into your own document: Search Log Template
Should include:
Library research databases you used and the order in which you consulted them.
Search terms you used and the order in which you tried them.
Criteria you used to narrow down your search.
Criteria you used to determine credibility of the source.
Reasons you chose your final source.
4) A credible, academic source (preferably one found through our library) that helps you to expand your selected Mini-Essay.
Where do I find a source? Go here!
Questions concerning credibility? Ask Dr. T or our librarian! Another source here.
Also read further in: Research and Citation Help
Preferred options for type of source: journal article or book article (as these have enough content but are short enough to profile in the Scavenger Hunt)
5) A correct MLA citation for this source (i.e. what would appear in a Works Cited).
Questions concerning citation? One source here.
Also see: Research and Citation Help
6) A summary of source’s content, particularly its argument (minimum 200 words).
Need help with writing a summary? See: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center: Abstracts
As always, if you directly quote from the source, you should use parenthetical (in-text) citations
7) A brief critique of source’s content (minimum 200 words).
Primary questions to answer: Is the source credible because of its author and where it is published? Is the source effective in proving its argument and how?
What is a critique? See: Cornell University Critically Analyzing Information Sources (under Content Analysis)
As always, if you directly quote from the source, you should use parenthetical (in-text) citations
8) A brief discussion of how this source might be useful to you as you expand your selected Mini-Essay.
Further Resources