Introductory description

N/A.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module will equip Foundation Year students with key academic skills required for successful completion of WBS
undergraduate degree programmes, with a focus on qualitative skill development.
The module will begin with an introduction to the role(s) of the university and will explain how the two degree programmes that students will gain entry to via the FY are structured, taught and assessed. Students will reflect on the role of the university in the production and dissemination of knowledge; preparing students for employment; and fostering educational and social independence. We will consider the concepts of 'learning styles', as well as reflecting on the role of the university in enabling critical thinking. Students will be introduced to the research and writing process via guest seminars. We will also discuss giving and receiving feedback and dealing with other challenges in transitioning from FE to HE.
The module will move on to focus on the development of effective academic skills, including active reading, critical reflection and application and evaluation of evidence. Students will discuss good and bad academic practices; they will understand how plagiarism is dealt with by the University and how Turnitin works. These sessions are intended to help establish approaches that enable the cohort to engage with substantive material in this and other FY modules, as well as preparing them for undergraduate study.

• Indicative content includes:
• The Role(s) of the University
• Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods in HE
• Becoming an Active Reader
• Receiving, Using and Giving Meaningful Feedback
• Effective Group Work
• Presentation Skills - Engaging Your Audience
• Communicating with Clarity
• Research Skills: Using the Library and Literature Searching
• Finding Your Argument: Using and Evaluating Evidence
• The Writing Process: Creating and Planning
• The Writing Process: Reviewing and Editing
• Referencing and Plagiarism
• Reflective Writing and Creative Writing

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the role(s) of the university including: Producing and disseminating knowledge.
• Understand the role(s) of the university including: Equipping students with knowledge and critical understanding(s) of their chosen disciplines.
• Understand the role(s) of the university including: Preparing students for employment.
• Understand the role(s) of the university including: Fostering independence.
• Plan and Structure Work.
• Have Time Management skills.
• Critically think.
• Apply and Evaluate Evidence.
• Have Problem Solving skills.
• Have Self-Awareness skills.

Indicative reading list

Colini, S. (2012) What are Univerities For? London: Penguin.
Cottrell S. (2008) The Study Skills Handbook (3rd ed). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Cottrell S. (2010) Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (2nd ed). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
M. Molesworth, R. Scullion, & E. Nixon (2011), The Marketisation of Higher Education and the Student as Consumer. London: Routledge.
Northedge, A. (2005) The Good Study Guide. Milton Keynes: The Open University.

Subject specific skills

Skills developed are primarily intended to support academic progress in other modules on the FY and in subsequent years of their chosen degree programmes. However, students will develop their ability to critically reflect upon the role(s) of the University.

Transferable skills

Produce critical assignments that demonstrate structural integrity, a sense of purpose and clear use of language.
Read critically for study, questioning sources and comparing different viewpoints on a topic.
Engage critically with sources, showing an ability to summarise, synthesise and evaluate materials.
Communicate effectively across different forms of delivery, both verbal and written.