This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Through this module, students will improve the transferable academic skills necessary to successfully complete their other modules on the IFP and to succeed on their future undergraduate programmes. The programme of study will cover the development of critical and analytical skills.
Students will attend regular seminars/workshops each week, focusing on furthering their academic skills. They will receive input on developing a research topic; writing and presenting a proposal; developing research questions; and engaging in reflection on the research and writing process. Students will also review how to write an annotated bibliography; briefly revisit how to plan and write an essay and how to undertake research; and practice presentation skills. They will have the opportunity to meet with their tutor regularly during the term for tutorials, to discuss their individual projects and progress on the module.
Spring Term Summer Term
Total contact hours: 66 Total contact hours: 60
Private study hours: 84 Private study hours: 90
Total Study hours: 150 Total Study hours: 150
Assessment methods:
- Main assessment methods
Proposal presentation (8-10 minutes) (20%)
Comparison of sources (4 sources, 1000 words) (20%)
Project essay (1500 words) (40%)
Reflective interview (8- 10 minutes) (20%)
- Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
Cottrell, S (2011) Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (3rd ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Cottrell, S (2008) The Study Skills Handbook (2nd ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Manning, A., et. al. (2007) Transferable Academic Skills Kit: University Foundation Study. Reading: Garnet Education.
Thomas, G. (2011) How to do your case study: a guide for students and researchers. London: Sage.
Wallace, M.J. (2004) Study Skills in English (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- apply the analytical, academic and linguistic skills developed in the LZ036 Academic Skills module and other foundation modules (see Programme Specification for available modules),
- communicate a logical argument following UK academic conventions and engaging in UK academic culture,
- demonstrate a knowledge of subject specific vocabulary,
- use source materials in presentations
- engage in a constructive, reflective process regarding their own learning
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- demonstrate an ability to work independently, taking responsibility to achieve goals, initiative to meet deadlines, and improving overall project management skills,
- utilise the facilities available (library catalogue, IT, etc.)
- demonstrate skills in accessing, reading and understanding materials and data
related to their subject area,
- demonstrate analytical skills, and an ability to compare, contrast, analyse and evaluate sources
- demonstrate the ability to structure, organise and communicate results
and arguments to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
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