Welcome! You've reached the FYI 102 (Coussens) course page dedicated to providing library support for assignments in your class. Your class will meet twice in the library during the spring term, covering the following topics:
This page will also include some "best bet" databases for supporting your research in this class.
Today we will primarily discuss misinformation and strategies for evaluating sources. Much of this information can be found in the Evaluating Sources section of this guide.
We will also start class with the "Spot the Troll" activity from Clemson University and take our discussion from there.
As you explore satire in this class, also consider "Poe's Law", a popular internet adage coined by Nathan Poe in 2005 which states that "a parody of something extreme can be mistaken for the real thing, and if a real thing sounds extreme enough, it can be mistaken for a parody." Warning -- this link leads to TV Tropes, which is not really a reliable source for any citation, and can lead to a rabbit hole of entertainment. Try not to get lost there. 'Tis a silly place.
Today we will be focusing on providing hands-on research time for you to get started on your research assignment with a librarian available to ask questions and provide help. To briefly summarize the assignment:
You will be writing your own satirical "modest proposal" from the opposing viewpoint of a political, social, or economic issue that you care about. If you haven't chosen a topic, consider consulting the library's topics guide for ideas. This paper will be 4-5 pages in length. You will have received further information about the assignment from your professor.
This assignment will require:
Although OneSearch is an excellent starting point for most research, consider the following specific databases/resources:
Are you proud of your research project this semester? Would you like recognition for your work? A chance to win $400?
Submit your project for the Tredway Library Prize for First-Year Research!
The library prize recognizes an outstanding research project by a first-year Augustana student for a class in the First Year Inquiry or First Year Honors sequence. It promotes engagement in the processes of library research and encourages you to synthesize information literacy skills with the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills from the first-year sequence.
For further details, including information on the application process, view the library prize home page. This year's deadline is Friday, June 2, 2023: the Friday after finals week, spring semester.
We look forward to seeing your projects!