Course ID/Course Name

INFO 5685.001
Spring 2024
Instructor Contact
Name: Dr. Elena Vassilieva
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Office Location: #292 Discovery Park, 3940 North Elm, Denton, TX 76203-5017
Phone Number: (940)565-3445
Office Hours: By appointment. Students are welcome to make an appointment with the instructor at
any time to discuss course related questions and issues. Please send email to the instructors on Canvas
to schedule online meeting.
Email: [email protected]

Course Description
INFO 5685 course: Seminar on information resources and services for ethnic cultural groups. Issues in
the provision of information services to ethnic cultural communities. Study of the needs and cultural
milieu of these communities. Materials and methods for serving these groups.

Course Structure
INFO 5685, Sections 001 takes the form of an online class. All course materials are available on Canvas
learning management system in electronic format. The interaction among the students and instructors
in the online learning environment. It promotes intensive study and exchange of ideas. Students will
submit all assignments through the tools available on Canvas. Course includes fourteen topics organized
into the weekly modules on Canvas.

Course Prerequisites or Other Restrictions

There are no prerequisites for the course.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to:

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1. Demonstrate the ability to navigate and communicate on Canvas Learning Management System and
identify the expectations of the online course.
2. Recognize library and information studies professional practice in resources and services in their
communities.
3. Analyze and evaluate information resources for cultural and ethnic groups.
4. Identify the types of information services provided to a variety of clients in multicultural
communities.
5. Create presentations on the course topics and subtopics.

Required/Recommended Materials
There is no required textbook for this course. Course learning materials and required readings are
provided in the course content on Canvas. The course Topic Readings based on scholarly and
professional literature are available from the UNT Libraries electronic resources. To access the UNT
Libraries and their e-databases go to UNT Libraries website and enter your EUID and password to access
the resources. The UNT Libraries’ Policy Manual includes chapters on Web accessibility and Electronic
and Information resources accessibility Policy.
Each Module Materials page includes a Supplemental (not required) Materials section and Helpful
Resources page that are also supplemental materials.

Citation Style Manual

American Psychological Association (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Welcome to UNT!
As members of the UNT community, we have all made a commitment to be part of an institution that
respects and values the identities of the students and employees with whom we interact. UNT does not
tolerate identity-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. UNT’s full Non-Discrimination Policy
can be found in the UNT Policies section of the syllabus.

Teaching Philosophy
To facilitate learning in the course, the course uses multiple methods of teaching, presentation, and
resources in various formats that include text, audio, video, software applications. An online course is a
living dynamic community and everyone, from the instructor to the students, must contribute to
maintain a positive and productive learning environment.
In addition, it is expected that each student will show a high amount of self-initiative in evaluating and
analyzing the course materials and related to the course topics by conducting research, locating the
additional reading material, if necessary, for this course. This is part of being an information and
knowledge professional. This means that students should be willing to go to the university library (or
university library website), the public library, or school libraries, as well as to conduct research online to
complete assignments, as needed. It is the student’s responsibility to locate appropriate literature and
information sources to complete all assignments. Students should be also able to present the results of
their research and analysis in an appropriate professional manner using appropriate software.

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Course Technology & Skills
Minimum Technology Requirements
• Computer
• Reliable internet access
• Speakers
• Microphone
• Plug-ins
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Canvas Technical Requirements (https://clear.unt.edu/supported-
technologies/canvas/requirements)

Computer Skills & Digital Literacy

Course-specific digital literacy skills learners must have to success in the course:

• Using email with attachments

• Downloading and installing software
• Using presentation and graphics programs

Information on how to be successful in a digital learning environment can be found at Learn Anywhere
(https://online.unt.edu/learn).

Technical Assistance
Part of working in the online environment involves dealing with the inconveniences and frustration
that can arise when technology breaks down or does not perform as expected. Here at UNT, we have a
Student Help Desk that you can contact for help with Canvas or other technology issues.

UNT IT Help Desk

Email: [email protected]
Live Chat: Helpdesk Live Chat (https://it.unt.edu/helpdesk/chatsupport)
Phone: 940-565-2324
In Person: Sage Hall, Room 330
Hours and Availability: Visit UNT IT Helpdesk (https://it.unt.edu/helpdesk) for up-to-date hours
and availability

For additional support, visit Canvas Technical Help (https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-

10554-4212710328)

How to Succeed in this Course

Communication Expectations: Important course announcements will be posted in the "Announcements"
page on Canvas, and students are expected to monitor this area and read the posts. Students are also
expected to check their Course E-mail regularly.

The course uses online communication tools on Canvas: discussions and course email. The Canvas
discussions area is a public domain that will be seen by all students. If you have questions or concerns

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that you do not want made public, please direct them to the course faculty in the course E-mail.

The course instructor will make every attempt to respond to your emails/questions within 2 business
days. If you have not received a response after that time, please email the course instructor again, as
the instructor may not have received your email. You should be receiving feedback on assignments
withing a week after submission, and grades will be posted in the Grades tab on Canvas.

See also “Online Student Experience” webpage of the UNT Division of Student Affairs for tips and
resources for successful online learning.
UNT strives to offer you a high-quality education and a supportive environment, so you learn
and grow. As a faculty member, I am committed to helping you be successful as a student. To
learn more about campus resources and information on how you can be successful at UNT, go
to unt.edu/success and explore unt.edu/wellness. To get all your enrollment and student
financial-related questions answered, go to scrappysays.unt.edu.

ADA Policy
The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities.
Students seeking reasonable accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Access
(ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with a reasonable
accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific
needs in a course. You may request reasonable accommodations at any time; however, ODA notices of
reasonable accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in
implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of reasonable accommodation for every
semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. Students are
strongly encouraged to deliver letters of reasonable accommodation during faculty office hours or by
appointment. Faculty members have the authority to ask students to discuss such letters during their
designated office hours to protect the privacy of the student. For additional information, refer to the
Office of Disability Access website (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/office-disability-access). You may also
contact ODA by phone at (940) 565-4323.
Supporting Your Success and Learning Environment
As members of UNT community, we have all made a commitment to be part of an institution
environments free from harassment, discrimination, or bias on the basis of culture, national origin, race,
sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, religion, family structure
or relationships, economic status, veteran status, or intellectual point of view.

Course Requirements
Assignments
Three Reading Discussions, two Video Discussions, four Reference Questions assignments, Presentation
(includes peer evaluation), Research Assignment, Midterm Paper, PPT Presentation. See the
Assignments tab on Canvas for detailed assignment instructions. See the Course Calendar for
assignment due dates. Course Calendar is available in the Syllabus tab on Canvas.

The course does not have any extra credit assignments.

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Grading
Method of grading: Points. See percentage weight for each assignment in the table below:

Percentage of
Assignment
Final Grade
Class Participation 10%
Discussion Questions assignment 5%
Reference Questions for 4 cultural areas @ 20%
5 points each
Reading Discussions 10%
• Two discussions
Video Discussions 10%
• In two course Topics
Presentation (includes peer evaluation) 10%
Research assignment 10%
Midterm Paper 15%
Presentation PowerPoint 10%
Total 100%

Assessing Your Work

Total Points Possible for Semester/Grading Scale = 100
100-90 = A

89-80 = B

79-70 = C

69-60 = D

59-50 = F

A – Excellent work
B – Good work
C – Fair work
D – Passing work
F – given when a student (1) has failed the course while still officially enrolled at the end of the
term/semester; (2) is failing in a course and misses the final examination without satisfactory
explanation; or (3) stops attending class without completing an official drop or withdrawal. It is student
responsibility to contact the CI-Advising and Course Instructor for grade arrangements.

Course Schedule
Course calendar dates for course deadlines, including the final term paper, course topics, and required
readings for each course topic are listed in the Course Calenda available in the Syllabus tab in the course

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on Canvas.
Note: Students will be notified by Eagle Alert if there is a campus closing that will impact the class. The
course calendar is subject to change. See the UNT Emergency Notifications -
https://emergency.unt.edu/emergency-notifications. In the event of a university closure, please refer to
Canvas for contingency plans for covering course materials.

Attendance and Participation

Because this course involves collaboration, participation is essential to learning. Our project-based
activities require you to be actively engaged in discussions and project work. If you run into challenges
that require you to miss an assignment, please contact the course instructor. There may be some
flexibility that can be offered to support your academic success.

Students are expected to visit the course page on Canvas regularly and to abide by the attendance policy
established for the course. It is important that you communicate with the professor prior to being
absent, so you, the professor can discuss and mitigate the impact of the absence on your attainment of
course learning goals.

Please inform the professor if you are unable to attend class because you are ill, in mindfulness of the
health and safety of everyone in our community. See the UNT System COVID information here:
https://www.untsystem.edu/archives/covid-19/index.php
Course Evaluation
The Student Perceptions of Teaching (SPOT) survey is the student course evaluation system for UNT. For
more information, visit Office of the Provost, SPOT page (https://vpaa.unt.edu/spot). Spring 2024 SPOT
Survey administration dates are April 15 - May 2.

Course Materials for Remote Instruction

Remote instruction may be necessary if community health conditions change, or you need to self-isolate
or quarantine due to COVID-19. Students will need access to the course on Canvas to participate in fully
remote portions of the class. Information on how to be successful in a remote learning environment can
be found at https://online.unt.edu/learn

Late Work
UNT instructors have the prerogative to accept or not to accept late work. If you have an emergency,
please contact the course instructor to obtain permission for a deadline extension. Otherwise, late
submissions will not be accepted. Consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis.
Students are asked to contact instructors if they expect to submit work late or intend to withdraw from
the course.

Assignment Policy
The official due dates for each assignment are indicated in the Course Calendar available in the Syllabus
tab on Canvas. Assignment instructions are available in the Assignments tab in the course on Canvas.
The instructions indicate what file type assignments should be saved as and where/how files should be
submitted.

Instructor Responsibilities and Feedback

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 • The instructor’s responsibilities in the course: helping students grow and learn; providing clear
instructions for projects and assignments; answering questions about assignments; identifying
additional resources as necessary; providing grading rubrics, reviewing and updating course
content.
• The instructor tries to respond to emails, discussion board posts, assignment
submissions/feedback, and grades in a very timely manner.

UNT POLICIES

In addition to standards for success in courses, there are UNT policies and procedures. You can
access these on the Student Support Services & Policies ((https://clear.unt.edu/student-support-
services-policies) webpage. Students are encouraged to read and absorb these important processes.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity Standards and Consequences. According to UNT Policy 06.003, Student Academic
Integrity, academic dishonesty occurs when students engage in behaviors including, but not limited to
cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, forgery, plagiarism, and sabotage. A finding of
academic dishonesty may result in a range of academic penalties or sanctions ranging from admonition
to expulsion from the University. You are encouraged to become familiar with the policies of Academic
Integrity (https://vpaa.unt.edu/ss/integrity). If you are in doubt regarding the requirements, please
consult with the course instructor before you complete any requirements of the course.

From the UNT Student Code of Conduct:

Academic dishonesty – plagiarism. The term “plagiarism” includes but is not limited to (a) the
knowing or negligent use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work
of another person without full and clear acknowledgement and (b) the knowing or negligent
unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or by an agency engaged in the
selling of term papers or other academic materials.
Plagiarism is copying by retyping, cutting, and pasting, or paraphrasing. In this course, beware of
the following:

• Do not quote or paraphrase published sources without explicit reference to the original
work. Information used or quoted from other sources must contain a citation, whether the
source is a print or electronic source.
• Do not insert parts of another students' work into your own work. That students trust you
to respect their intellectual product.
• Do not copy and paste parts of the course material into your work without proper citations

Academic Misconduct
Cheating and disciplinary action for cheating is defined by the UNT Policy Manual Code of Student
Conduct and Discipline. Cheating is an act of academic dishonesty. It is defined and is to be handled as
follows: Plagiarism and cheating refer to the use of unauthorized books, notes, or otherwise securing
help in a test; copying tests, assignments, reports, or term papers; representing the work of another as
one's own; collaborating, without authority, with another student during an examination or in preparing
academic work; or otherwise practicing scholastic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty matters may first be

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considered by the faculty member who may assign penalties such as failing, reduction or changing of a
grade in a test, course, assignment, or other academic work, denial of a degree and/or performing
additional academic work not required of other students in the course. If the student does not accept
the decision of the faculty member, he/she may have his/her case heard by the academic department
chairperson or head for review of his/her case. If the student does not accept the decision of the
academic department chairperson, he/she may then follow the normal appeal procedures listed in
Disciplinary Procedures.

Code of Conduct
"The primary concern of the University of North Texas is the student. The university attempts to
provide for all students a campus environment that is conducive to academic endeavor and social and
individual growth. To that end, rules, regulations, and guidelines governing student behavior and the
student's relationship with the university have been formulated into a student code of conduct and
discipline. Enrollment at the University of North Texas is considered implicit acceptance of these and
other policies applicable to students, all of which are educational in nature and designed to help
students understand expectations and accept responsibility for their own actions.” Please take the time
to read and become aware of the UNT Code of Student Conduct - https://policy.unt.edu/policy/07-012#

Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (Policy 16.004)

The University of North Texas (UNT) prohibits discrimination and harassment because of race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability,
genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or
state law in its application and admission processes; educational programs and activities; employment
policies, procedures, and processes; and university facilities. The University takes active measures to
prevent such conduct and investigates and takes remedial action when appropriate.

Emergency Notification & Procedures

UNT uses a system called Eagle Alert to quickly notify students with critical information in the event of
an emergency (i.e., severe weather, campus closing, and health and public safety emergencies like
chemical spills, fires, or violence). In the event of a university closure, please refer to Canvas for
contingency plans for covering course materials.

Acceptable Student Behavior

Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students'
opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum
at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the
instructor may refer the student to the Dean of Students to consider whether the student's conduct
violated the Code of Student Conduct. The University's expectations for student conduct apply to all
instructional forums, including University and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips,
etc. Visit UNT’s Code of Student Conduct (https://policy.unt.edu/policy/07-012) and the Dean of
Students website (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/dean-of-students) to learn more.

Access to Information - Eagle Connect

Students’ access point for business and academic services at UNT is located at: my.unt.edu. All official
communication from the University will be delivered to a student’s Eagle Connect account. For more

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information, please visit the website that explains Eagle Connect and how to forward e-mail Eagle
Connect (https://it.unt.edu/eagleconnect).

COURSE POLICIES
Penalties for Plagiarism
Plagiarism is illegal, unethical, and unacceptable. Any instances of plagiarism in student work
will result in the following penalties: First offense: Grade of zero for the assignment. Second
offense: Final course grade reduced by one complete grade. Third offense: Assignment of F
(Fail) for final course grade.

Drop Policy
To officially withdraw or drop this course, the student must notify the instructor, the CI-Advising office,
and the UNT Registrar. You are not officially dropped until the instructor approves it and the registrar
processes it. Denied access to Blackboard does not ensure that you are dropped by the Registrar. It is
your responsibility to ensure that the process is complete. A student who does not participate and does
not officially withdraw will receive an F in the course.

Attendance Policy
Students are expected to check into class and read announcements and the discussion boards at
least once a day. The instructor can track student attendance.

Syllabus Change Policy

There are instances when the instructor may need to change the assignments, grading criteria, and/or
assignment due dates listed in this syllabus. If this becomes necessary, the instructor will immediately
notify students of the changes via the “Announcements” section as well as through Canvas email.

Copyright Notice
Some or all the materials on this course website may be protected by copyright. Federal copyright law
prohibits the reproduction, distribution, public performance, or public display of copyrighted materials
without the expressed and written permission of the copyright owner, unless fair use or another
exemption under copyright law applies. The materials on this site are provided solely for the use of
students enrolled in this course, and for purposes associated with this course; except for material that is
unambiguously and unarguably in the public domain, these materials may not be retained or further
disseminated. Any students who use university equipment or services to access, copy, display, perform,
or distribute copyrighted works (except as permitted under copyright law or specific license) will be
subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the university as well as to those civil and criminal
penalties provided by federal law.

Policy on Server Unavailability or Other Technical Difficulties

The University is committed to providing a reliable online course system to all users. However,
in the event of any unexpected server outage or any unusual technical difficulty, which prevents
students from completing a time sensitive assessment activity, the instructor will extend the time
windows and provide an appropriate accommodation based on the situation. Students should
immediately report any problems to the instructor and contact the UNT Student Help
Desk: [email protected] or 940.565.2324. The instructor and the UNT Student Help Desk will
work with the student to resolve any issues at the earliest possible time.

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Important Notice for F-1 Students Taking Distance Education Courses
Federal regulations state that students may apply only 3 fully online semester credit hours (SCH) to the
hours required for full-time status for F-1 visa holders. Full-time status for F-1 Visa students is 12 hours
for undergraduates and 9 hours for graduate students. See The DSI CLEAR F-1 Visa Holder Regulation
webpage.

Because the decision may have serious immigration consequences. For all questions about their status
and regulations the F-1 visa holders should contact the UNT International Student and Scholar Services
(https://international.unt.edu/content/international-student-scholar-services) (phone:
940-565-2195 or email [email protected]) to get clarification.

Academic Support & Student Services

Student Support Services
Mental Health
UNT provides mental health resources to students to help ensure there are numerous outlets to turn to
that wholeheartedly care for and are there for students in need, regardless of the nature of an issue or
its severity. Listed below are several resources on campus that can support your academic success and
mental well-being:

• Student Health and Wellness Center (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/student-health-and-

wellness-center)
• Counseling and Testing Services (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/counseling-and-testing-services)
• UNT Care Team (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/care)
• UNT Psychiatric Services (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/student-health-and-wellness-
center/services/psychiatry)
• Individual Counseling (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/counseling-and-testing-
services/services/individual-counseling)

Chosen Names
A chosen name is a name that a person goes by that may or may not match their legal name. If you have
a chosen name that is different from your legal name and would like that to be used in class, please let
the instructor know. Below is a list of resources for updating your chosen name at UNT.

• UNT Records
• UNT ID Card
• UNT Email Address
• Legal Name

*UNT EUIDs cannot be changed at this time. The collaborating offices are working on a process to make
this option accessible to UNT community members.

Pronouns
Pronouns (she/her, they/them, he/him, etc.) are a public way for people to address you, much like your
name, and can be shared with a name when making an introduction, both virtually and in-person. Just
as we ask and don’t assume someone’s name, we should also ask and not assume someone’s pronouns.

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You can add your pronouns to your Canvas account so that they follow your name when posting to
discussion boards, submitting assignments, etc.

Below is a list of additional resources regarding pronouns and their usage:

o What are pronouns and why are they important?

o How do I use pronouns?
o How do I share my pronouns?
o How do I ask for another person’s pronouns?
o How do I correct myself or others when the wrong pronoun is used?

Additional Student Support Services

• Registrar (https://registrar.unt.edu/registration)
• Financial Aid (https://financialaid.unt.edu/)
• Student Legal Services (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/student-legal-services)
• Career Center (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/career-center)
• Multicultural Center (https://edo.unt.edu/multicultural-center)
• Counseling and Testing Services (https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/counseling-and-testing-services)
• Pride Alliance (https://edo.unt.edu/pridealliance)
• UNT Food Pantry (https://deanofstudents.unt.edu/resources/food-pantry)

Academic Support Services

• Academic Resource Center (https://clear.unt.edu/canvas/student-resources)
• Academic Success Center (https://success.unt.edu/asc)
• UNT Libraries (https://library.unt.edu/)
• Writing Lab (http://writingcenter.unt.edu/
• Acknowledgement
Special thanks go to Toby Faber, Margaret Irby Nichols, Dr. Herman Totten, and Dr. Oksana Zavalina for
the contributing materials for this course.

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