About This Course

Learning Objectives

By the end of the term, students will feel confident:

1. Defining scholarship, and differentiating between scholarship and information;
2. Evaluating scholarship for a particular need as well as accuracy, quality, and relevance;
3. Describing the problem of marginalized populations in the scholarly conversation, and developing ways to fight it; and
4. Helping peers (W&L students) find, evaluate, and incorporate various types of scholarship in many disciplines through experiential learning in the University Library.

Required Course Materials

All students must bring a laptop to each class and lab session. If you do not have access to a laptop, they are available for checkout at the Information Desk in Leyburn Library.

All articles and book chapters are available via the University Library website or posted to Canvas.

Class Expectations

All readings and assignments on the schedule must be completed and/or submitted by 9 a.m. on the day indicated. Completing all assignments is required to pass the course.

All viewpoints are welcome in the classroom. In turn, using threatening language or gestures to argue viewpoints are not be permitted, and students may be asked to leave the room if necessary.

If you find it difficult to complete your coursework because of precarious housing or finances, food insecurity, or threatening relationships, feel free to contact me immediately. This will be confidential and I will help you. Alternatively, note the Student Support menu in the sidebar of the course website and make use of them.

Engagement

What is “engagement”?

• Asking/answering questions during class discussions
• Coming to office hours
• Coming to scheduled lab shifts

This discussion-based class requires active engagement from all class members, which includes attendance. Students may miss one class session with no explanation; after that, absences require explanation. Excessive unexcused absences will result in a failing grade.

Religious Holidays: Students are encouraged to observe religious holidays of their practiced faith.  Please let Professor Abdoney know within the first 2 weeks of class if you will need to miss class in order to observe a religious holiday. This will not affect your grade in any way, but we are required to create a plan to complete coursework in a timely manner.

If you have concerns about the Engagement part of your grade, please contact Professor Abdoney.

Late Work

Work submitted after the due date/time will result in a grade reduction of 1 point per day late.

Attribution & Plagiarism

Students are expected to observe Washington and Lee University’s Honor System. W&L defines plagiarism as “the use of another’s words or ideas without proper acknowledgment.” Familiarize yourself with what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it. For assistance, see the resources available on the library website and/or contact Professor Abdoney.

Disability Accommodations

Washington and Lee University makes reasonable academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. All undergraduate accommodations must be approved through the Title IX Coordinator and Director of Disability Resources, Elrod Commons 212 (540) 458-4055. Students requesting accommodations for this course should present an official accommodation letter within the first two weeks of the term and schedule a meeting outside of class time to discuss accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to present this paperwork in a timely fashion and to follow up about accommodation arrangements. Accommodations for test taking must be arranged with the professor at least a week before the date of the test or exam, including finals.

Grading Scale

Grade Breakdown