In this class, we will explore information and how to use it. We will discuss and learn about how to identify good sources of research information, find articles and ebooks, and evaluate sources of information. As learners, you will be responsible for engaging with course content and each other. As your guide through this course, I will be responsible for answering your questions and providing prompt grading and feedback. We're all encouraged to converse via the course Chat, but student participation is not required.
Diversity is a vital and beautiful thing in the world. It is my intention that students from all backgrounds and perspectives be welcome and well-served by this course, that students' learning needs be addressed both in and out of the class. Students are encouraged to speak up and participate in the class. Because the class will represent a diversity of individual beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences, every member of this class must show respect for every other member of this class. I support an inclusive learning environment where diversity and individual differences are understood, respected, appreciated, and recognized as a source of strength.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following skills:
Find the online contact info and links for services available for students, such as
Participation in this class will come in the following forms:
Participating in the course will help enhance your learning. It will also help you to benefit from your fellow students as they present their own thoughts and perspectives on the course content.
Standards of conduct for students and myself
An instructor has the right to remove a student from class any time they consider the student's actions to be interfering with a proper collegiate environment. The instructor may also refer the incident to the administration for disciplinary action as warranted. Removal from class applies to online classes as well as face-to-face classes.
Students may withdraw from courses prior to the drop deadlines, by using WebAdvisor/MyPortal. If there is a hold, restricting the use of
WebAdvisor/MyPortal, students may bring a completed add/drop card to the Admissions counter at Moreno Valley College and drop classes there. Deadlines to add, drop, and receive a refund are posted on WebAdvisor/MyPortal. It is the student’s responsibility to drop classes that he/she no longer plans to attend.
Please see page 12 of the College Catalog (links to an external site) for the college's policy on academic honesty. This course will follow the policies of the college in regards to academic integrity.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating and is not tolerated. Make sure your work is your own. Please ask if you have any questions regarding what constitutes plagiarism.
Plagiarized work will receive a zero and no make-up work will be provided.
The college and I expect that you will do the following:
In the short term, getting "help" from classmates or paid homework websites may seem easy. But in the long run, you are cheating yourself. While it may not seem like it, the courses you're taking today are the foundation of your professional life. What you learn is just as important as how you learn it.
Use of AI tools, including ChatGPT, is permitted in this course for students who wish to use them. To adhere to our scholarly values, students must cite any AI-generated material that informed their work (this includes in-text citations and/or use of quotations, and in your reference list). Using an AI tool to generate content without proper attribution qualifies as academic dishonesty.
AI-Generated Material includes any content created by an AI tool, that is then used in a submitted assignment. Some examples of AI content that must be cited:
Some examples of AI content that does not need to be cited:
Discussion Boards and Weekly Quizzes are due by 11:59 pm PST on Thursdays. Unless otherwise noted, all other assignments are due by 11:59pm PST on Sundays.
Grades are based on a total accumulation of points (out of 700 total points). Assignments are not weighted or graded on a curve. Assignments and point values may vary depending on progression of the course.
Please note that these point totals are subject to change.
Grades are based on a total accumulation of points
90 - 100%: A
80 - 89%: B
70 - 79%: C
60 - 69%: D
0 - 59%: F
Riverside Community College District uses the letter system of grading the quality of work performed by students. The following grades are used:
“A”, excellent
“B”, good
“C”, satisfactory
“D”, passing, less than satisfactory
“F”, failing
“FW”, failing due to cessation of participation in a course after the last day to officially withdraw from a course
“I”, incomplete
“IP”, in progress
“RD”, report delayed
“P”, pass; “NP”, no pass; “W”, formal withdrawal from the college or a course
“MW”(military withdrawal).
For more information about the grading system, please see page 48 of the college catalog (links to an external site).
Discussion boards and weekly reading quizzes are due Thursday by 11:59 PM PST. Other assignments, unless otherwise identified, are due by 11:59 PM PST on Sunday. However, non-discussion board student work will be accepted without penalty up to the first day (Monday) of the last week of the course. Due to the need for student discussions and responses, Discussion Board assignments must be turned in on time. Initial weekly discussion board posts will not be accepted more than 24 hours late, though weekly replies can be turned in late. Exceptions and extensions may be made for students who contact the instructor ahead of time due to real-life issues and emergencies. If work is submitted late, grading and feedback will also likely be returned to the student later than usual. You are permitted to work ahead, however, I encourage you to not work too far ahead. Many assignments only allow a single submission and it is best to wait for feedback on your previous work before moving ahead.
Students who add this class on or after the first day of class must officially register with Admissions by the add deadline and pay fees per Admissions and Records policies.
Students who choose not to continue the course are responsible for dropping the course. Please do not assume that I have dropped you. If you stopped attending the course but haven't officially dropped then you may end up receiving an "F.", which we certainly don't want. If you have questions or need help with this then you can contact Student Services (links to an external site).
Students are expected to regularly log into Canvas and RCCD student email in order to keep up with assignments, announcements, and any changes to the course schedule.
Students are required to submit the Student Contract through Canvas within the first week of class. Students who fail to complete the Student Agreement during the first week of class may be dropped from the class.
There will be three extra credit opportunities available in the course, to help encourage you to engage with additional content, learn more about the course topics, and provide feedback on the course. Each of these extra credit assignments will be worth 5 points. Additionally, I will track the entire class' completion of these assignments and it will contribute to the class' 'level' in the Info Quest. Info Quest is a game to see how far the class can progress in level, and doesn't have any effect on your grades or other work.
As a one-unit course, the course workload may initially seem heavy. However, please keep in mind that this is a condensed course, only lasting 6 weeks. Additionally, this is a fully online course so the course workload includes work which would normally be done in class. You should expect to dedicate 4-5 hours a week for this 6-week course.
