# LIS: Digital Literacy and Critical Inquiry (Certificate of Achievement)

College of Alameda · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Library Information Studies

Source: https://coa.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/47221/47359/47361/47386/47394

**Digital Literacy and Critical Inquiry - Certificate of Achievement**

The Certificate of Achievement in Digital Literacy and Critical Inquiry develops students’ research, communication, and critical thinking skills essential for CSU and UC transfer. Students complete courses that develop mastery of information literacy, digital research, and humanities-based inquiry.  This program emphasizes information evaluation, communication skills, psychology, and human values, preparing students for success across disciplines and transfer pathways.

Career Opportunities

This certificate directly supports the Vision for Success and AB 928 (Cal-GETC) mandates by embedding LIS into transfer preparation and providing students with a transcripted milestone that documents skills in research, communication, and ethical information use. It is particularly well-suited for dual enrollment and first-year students, who need early guidance in navigating AI and digital tools responsibly. Students completing the Certificate of Achievement in Digital Literacy and Critical Inquiry gain demonstrated skills in information evaluation, research strategy, digital communication, and ethical use of emerging technologies such as AI. These abilities are foundational for careers in education, communications, business, public service, data and information management, media, and research support roles. Employers in both public and private sectors increasingly seek candidates who can think critically about information credibility, synthesize diverse sources, and apply ethical standards in digital environments. The certificate also provides a strong foundation for students pursuing further study in library and information science, data analytics, social sciences, journalism, and education.

Learning Outcome(s)

1.  Demonstrate information literacy and digital research skills, including ethical use of AI tools.
2.  Evaluate information for credibility, bias, and relevance across disciplines.
3.  Communicate effectively in interpersonal and group contexts
4.  Apply humanities perspectives and ethical reasoning to social and academic issues.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Total Certificate Units = 16-18 units** | |  |
| **Required Core Courses (14 Units)** | | 14 |
| LIS 74 | Information Seeking Behavior | 3 |
| LIS 85 | Introduction to Information Resources | 2 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| **Communication Core Courses (select one)** | | 3 |
| COMM 4 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| or COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| or COMM 1A | Introduction to Speech | 3 |
| **Humanities Core Courses (select one** | | 3 |
| HUMAN 1 | Introduction to the Humanities | 3 |
| or HUMAN 2 | Human Values | 3 |
| **Restricted Electives (Choose one, 2-4 units)** | | 3-5 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| or ENGL C1000E | Academic Reading and Writing | 5 |
| or ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| or STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| or MATH 15 | Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students | 3 |
| or ETHST 1 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 3 |