Information Literacy Program

Authority is a type of influence within a community. An understanding of this concept enables learners to critically examine all evidence—be it a short blog post or a peer-reviewed article—and to ask relevant questions about origins, context, and suitability for the current information need. Informed students can consider authority with both measured skepticism and an open-mind. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Define different types of authority: expertise, societal position, or special experience 
• Develop and maintain an open mind when encountering varied and sometimes conflicting perspectives 
• Identify markers of authority recognized by academic disciplines, professions, and communities of practice  
• Question traditional notions of granting authority and recognize the value of diverse ideas and world views 
• Investigate differing viewpoints encountered in the literature and determine whether to incorporate or reject these ideas