Introduction

The purpose of this reading guide is to support both active reading and deep learning in the course Imagine | Question | Search | Synthesize: Critical foundations in undergraduate research.

Deep learning can be defined as a strong understanding of key ideas and processes as well as the ability to transfer this understanding into many contexts. An example of deep learning is the ability to read and understand academic materials (e.g., peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters) across different courses.

Throughout the guide, you will be introduced to strategies for deep reading that will facilitate your understanding of the assigned weekly readings and your ability to contribute to class discussions.

This guide is divided into twelve chapters. The chapters are organized by week and structured into the following sections.

Overview

This section introduces the “big idea” for the relevant module as well as the topic for each week.

Readings and videos

This section includes all of the assigned readings and vidoes for a given week.

Before and after class activities

• Before class activities
  • Key questions to ask while reading articles or watching videos
  • “Pile of words”: Grouping and labeling key concepts
  • Predict a learning outcome
• After class activities
  • Annotate your readings and make notes about the videos (if assigned)
  • Summarize author’s key ideas
  • Respond to a question about the reading

There are two assigned textbooks for this course:

1. Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., Williams, J. M., Bizup, J., & Fitzgerald, W. T. (2016). The craft of research (4th ed.). University of Chicago Press.
2. Maccallum, L. (2020). Choosing and using sources: A guide to academic research. (1st Canadian edition). Ohio State University.
   https://caul-cbua.pressbooks.pub/choosingsources/.

You will find information and links to these readings in your learning management system (e.g., Brightspace).

In addition, you will read, watch or listen to other types of sources, such as academic articles, videos, and podcasts.

Note: APA style is used for this textbook except where certain stylistic choices have been made to improve the graphic design.