Inquiry Seminar Outcomes

Seminar Learning Outcomes

The Seminar planning committee identified the following learning outcomes for all Critical Inquiry Seminars.

1. Reads, observes, and listens carefully.

2. Writes and speaks effectively and persuasively.

3. Constructs, tests and articulates sound arguments.

  • analyzes and evaluates argument effectively
  • organizes ideas clearly
  • develops ideas thoroughly

4. Applies an effective, efficient, and ethical research methodology.

  • locates appropriate research materials
  • evaluates information and its sources critically
  • uses information and sources ethically

5. Submits beliefs, convictions, and perspectives to challenge.

  • examines the conditions, assumptions, and values that shape one's identity
  • acknowledges her/his own limited knowledge and personal bias
  • takes chances that challenge his/her intellectual and creative abilities
  • recognizes ambiguity and understands its role in decision making

6. Understands the ethical and aesthetic dimensions of the course topic.

Information Literacy Learning Outcomes

Librarians identified the following specific information literacy outcomes based on Seminar outcome number four.

Upon successful completion of an Inquiry Seminar, students will be able to:

  1. Select, locate, and evaluate a reference source (e.g., electronic encyclopedia, specialized print encyclopedia, CQ Researcher, etc.) related to their general topic area.
  2. Identify the purpose and audience of potential resources (e.g., popular vs. scholarly, current vs. historical, etc.).
  3. Differentiate between the library’s online catalog (MnPALS), the Academic Search Premier database, and the ProQuest Newspapers database, initiating appropriate searches in each.
  4. Utilize advanced search strategies (e.g. subject headings, Boolean operators, wildcards / truncation symbols, etc.).
  5. Examine and compare information from various sources in order to evaluate reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness, and point of view or bias.
  6. Choose information that meets a particular need; interpret and combine information from a variety of sources to resolve a particular problem or question.
  7. Adjust and modify research topics, according to the interplay of newly discovered information with pre-existing knowledge and experience.
  8. Apply knowledge and skills from prior library experiences to effectively plan and create a product or performance (e.g., a debate or panel discussion, paper, annotated bibliography, group presentation, etc.).

Carl B. Ylvisaker Library

Information For:

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