Eng 102: Research Treasure Hunt

On-line Research Writing: English 102
Professor Gary Parks (gparks@shoreline.edu)
Shoreline Community College
Shoreline, WA, USA

Resource Treasure Hunt

Assignment Description: For this assignment, a "treasure" is a print publication or electronic resource containing credible information that you feel relates to your topic. Using contemporary search techniques for the various media described in Writing Research Papers, especially Part Two, you are to find the following treasures and record the process you used to do so (see below for details on how to record). You may use the SCC library or another library of your choice.

Using one or more periodical databases (also known as periodical indexes) find two credible and relevant periodical articles which might be useful for your research paper topic. The SCC library's web site lists links to various databases. (You will need an account to access them from off campus. Please see the library's database page for details.) You may see a specialized database listed that seems appropriate, but for most projects a general database like Academic Search Premier or ProQuest will be more useful since you have learned how to refine searches in WRP. At least one article found must be from a scholarly journal (called "professional" journal in WRP). As you use the indexes to search for sources, record the search terms you used, the fields you were searching, any boolean connectors used, and any other limiters and expanders. Also, record the bibliographic information for the two articles--everything that will be needed to create Works Cited entries. (If your search is extensive and involves too much trial and error to report, just record the last couple of versions that led to success. But do give details as mentioned.)
Use a library catalog to identify one useful, current (enough), and credible book related to your major research paper. As you use the catalog, take notes on the specifics of your search strategy. What search terms did you use, and what data fields did you search? Any limiters or expanders? Check the book out from the library and keep a record of having checked it out in case you are asked later to show it to the instructor. Record the bibliographic information for the book--everything that will be needed to create a Works Cited entry.
Use Google's advanced search engine (not the simple template we all know and love) to find one valid, current, and credible web page / site related to your major research paper. As you use the search interface, take notes on the specifics of your search strategy including search terms used and any limiters and expanders used (such as setting the domain type, etc.). Record the bibliographic information for the Web source--everything that will be needed to create a Works Cited entry.

As you find each of the sources noted above, take notes so that you will be able to write a paragraph for each source which describes

What library you were in (or where you were if not in a library), and when.
What search methods you used to find the source material. This should include details on the type of search template/interface used (which database if applicable, simple or advanced template, etc.), specific search strings (words and phrases) used, and as mentioned above any data fields, Boolean connectors, and other limiters and expanders employed, particularly those that were successful. Someone reading your search report should be able to reconstruct each of the four searches based on the information you present.
Indicate what problems or other issues you encountered as you found the resource.
Provide bibliographic information to identify each source (the same info that will be needed for the Works Cited). Note: You will also be posting the bibliographic (Works Cited) information from the two periodical articles in your subject area discussion forum at Blackboard (see below).. However, the bibligraphic information from all four sources, including the two articles, must also appear in the Treasure Hunt report so that the material is all in one place to evaluate.

You will end up with a four paragraphs report, one paragraph for each source found in steps 1-3 above (two periodical articles, one book, one Web page).

Write the report as describe above and send it to the instructor. In addition (this is required too), post the Works Cited information for the two periodical articles (only the articles) in the Group Discussion Board Forum established for your subject area. Please don't post your entire Treasure Hunt paper--just the two Works Cited entries for the periodical articles.

Purpose: This activity is designed to make you encounter and use a variety of print and on-line reference sources, and to help you find research sources useful for the major research paper. It helps demonstrate that you are able to identify information needs and find useful resources using contemporary search techniques.

Please note that you are strongly encouraged to use these sources in your paper. However, if they do not become useful in the final paper, it is not required that you use them. This assignment helps you identify potential sources.

Criteria: Projects will be judged on completeness, specificity (details used describing the steps of the process for each source, etc.), and, especially, demonstrated understanding of basic search strategies as presented in Part Two of WRP. The paragraphs should also be well-written in sentences and paragraphs that show good grammar, diction, and transitioning skills. The written portion of this assignment cannot be revised after it is evaluated. Assignments are not complete until the two article citations are posted in the subject area DB forum. This too must be done by the due date/time!!

Format / How to Submit: : Send the four-paragraph report by course message only, either in the body of the message or as an attachment. For the source postings in the DB (the two periodical articles), put them in the body of the message in all cases.