AD3014 - Humanities Portfolio: Skills for University

You will learn on the module through a stimulating range of seminars and workshops. Your learning will be facilitated by the Skills Plus centre, affiliated with the university library, who will deliver a range of classes on core academic skills. Each week you will be given a preparatory activity (e.g. set reading, a source search) which will form the basis of your explorations in class for that week. Sessions will be delivered by the module team to ensure you benefit from their particular expertise across a range of disciplines. You will complete a released test which will assess your understanding and ability to utilise key academic skills, particularly academic citation. You will also research, plan and write a 1500-word essay that showcases the academic and professional skills you have acquired throughout the module. .

By attending the lectures and seminars and undertaking the assignments you will be supported to achieve the module learning outcomes. As you explore identity you will develop foundational knowledge in research skills, time management, IT skills, critical thinking and evaluation as well as academic communication skills.

In addition to learning during contact hours with the module tutors, you will undertake the directed learning of the preparatory activities as well as independent learning.. Independent learning generally will take the form of further reading and research, the consolidation of session materials and the completion of the assessment.

The module handbook provides details of sessions, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning portal. The module tutors will be available in taught sessions, as well as in feedback and consultation hours and on email/phone, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to fulfil your academic potential on the module. Moreover, feedback on formative work and the first summative assessments will also serve as ‘feed forward’, giving guidance on how to improve during the module. In addition, you have a designated Personal Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Personal Guidance Tutor’s role includes:
• monitoring your ongoing academic progress
• helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development
• directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus)

You are advised to see your Personal Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1 ability to collect and evaluate evidence of personal achievement and development.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3 essential academic skills of written prose, citation, oral presentation, and independent research.
4 transferable employability skills.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5 demonstrate the capacity for sustained independent work.

Formative:
Essay Plan:
Midway through the semester, you will submit an essay plan and indicative bibliography in preparation for your summative assessment. You will be invited to have a meeting with your seminar tutor to review and discuss your essay plan and its development. (MLO 1-5)

Summative:
1) A released set of written exercises (indicative total word count of 500) which will allow you to demonstrate an awareness, understanding and ability to use key academic skills, including academic practice and citation.
2) A 1500-word essay:
You will produce a 1500-word essay in which you demonstrate the core academic skills you have acquired (including independent research, written prose, argumentation and citation).. (MLO 1-5)

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This module will provide you with essential skills that will prepare you for academia, and for professional employment. You will learn through lectures, seminars and workshops. In these various forums, you will develop core knowledge in such necessary abilities as academic writing, research technique, academic citation, public speaking, and presenting your work. With guidance from your seminar tutor, and working independently, you will write a 1500-word essay and complete a released test that showcases the academic and professional transferable skills you have acquired.