What type of source is your textbook for this course?

The textbook for the course is classified as a tertiary source because it compiles, summarizes, or synthesizes information from primary and secondary sources to provide a broad overview of a particular subject. Tertiary sources are designed to provide an easily accessible summary of knowledge, making them useful for gaining a general understanding of topics. They typically include references to the original research and more detailed sources that inform the material presented, such as academic articles or primary research. In this context, the textbook is not presenting original research data (which would classify it as a primary source) nor is it only analyzing existing research findings (which would categorize it as a secondary source). Instead, it serves as a comprehensive guide that aggregates and organizes knowledge for students, fitting the characteristics of a tertiary source.