The assessment for this module comprises one element that assesses all of the Learning outcomes.


1. A written Reflective Evaluation of the major learning points relating to your chosen academic topic and personal study skills developed during the course of this module (1250 words), (100%)

This module aims to help you develop and practise a set of essential academic skills - those you need to research, write a piece of academic writing and present to others in your proposed area of study.

1. Develop your academic writing skill in your proposed area of study following the appropriate academic conventions including referencing format, and demonstrate an awareness of what is meant by plagiarism and how to avoid it.
Enquiry
Knowledge & Understanding
Problem Solving

2. Develop study skills and advancing English language skills
Application
Learning
Knowledge & Understanding

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 your topic.

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.
• Practising note taking techniques
• Developing an academic written style.
• Learning how to do academic referencing.

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 writing. 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