The assessment for this module comprises two elements that test all of the Learning outcomes.

1. A written assessment in essay or business report format which demonstrates academic writing skills by summarising, paraphrasing and analysing information from given research and academic articles relating to your chosen academic topic. You will also include an explanation of what is meant by plagiarism and how to avoid it.
You will use an appropriate referencing format throughout this written assignment. (1500 words) (80%)

2. A 5 minute PowerPoint presentation (20%).
During this presentation you will talk about the process of doing your research and writing up your findings. You will demonstrate your ability to communicate a topic to others and to respond to verbal questions.

This module aims to help you develop and practise a set of essential academic skills - those you need to research and write a novel piece of extended academic writing in your proposed area of study (usually a report, but other types of academic writing - for example an essay - may also be appropriate).

1. Develop your academic writing skills in your proposed area of study and produce a piece of writing which follows the appropriate academic conventions including referencing format, which demonstrates an awareness of what is meant by plagiarism and how to avoid it.
Enquiry
Knowledge & Understanding
Problem Solving

2. Introduce your chosen academic topic in a short presentation and respond to questions.
Analysis
Communication

3. Research and plan a presentation.
Application
Learning

4. Reflect on the activities involved in selecting, researching and planning a presentation.
Reflection

You will be involved in a variety of classroom and homework activities. You may watch DVDs which explore cultural and social issues. You will take part in various activities which build on these things, such as classroom debates and presentations. All of this will feed into your thinking about choosing your topic and then writing about it.

Class time will be spent developing the skills that are needed to produce a competent piece of academic writing.

You will also be spending a lot of time outside the classroom practising these skills.

Here are some examples of the sort of activities you'll be doing throughout the module:
• Discussing possible topics with tutor and fellow students.
• Doing exercises to help you read more effectively.
• Demonstrating competent note taking techniques.
• Demonstrating a competent academic written style.
• Implementing correct academic referencing practice.

Your tutor will select suitable materials to help you to develop these academic writing skills.

Access to the library and IT facilities
An advanced learner's English dictionary

The tutor will be able to recommend useful books to help you with your work. Another very useful resource is the Internet, where there are numerous sites which focus on academic writing. As for the material for your topic itself, you'll find your information largely from the university library and the Internet.

There are many books which can help you develop your academic writing skills. Here are some suggested texts:

Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook, Basingstoke: Palgrave/Macmillan

Price, G. and P. Maier (2007) Effective Study Skills: Unlock your Potential Harlow, Pearson