AD3040 - Social Sciences Portfolio: Skills for University

You will learn on the module through a stimulating and varied programme of workshops, seminars and lectures. Each week students will be given a preparatory activity, for example, set reading, listening to podcasts, information search, which will form the basis of inclass learning. Teaching will be delivered by a range of lectures to ensure students benefit from their expertise across the disciplines. By attending the lectures and seminars and undertaking the assignments you will be supported to achieve the module learning outcomes. 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 Blackboard site contains details of sessions, assessment information and links to essential and recommended reading. All lecture PowerPoint slides will also be made available on the e-learning portal. The module tutors will be available in taught sessions, as well as during set office hours and will be available via email to discuss any questions or difficulties which students may have.. In addition, all students will have a designated Personal Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of the programme. The academic side of the Personal Guidance Tutor’s role includes: monitoring ongoing academic progress; helping students to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development; and directing students to further available services which can help them with their academic skills. Students are advised to see Personal Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review 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:
2. essential academic skills of written prose, citation, oral presentation, and independent research.
3. transferable employability skills.

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

Formative:
You will be supported with feedback through formative (i.e. informal) tasks within the module classes to prepare for the summative (i.e. formal) assessment for the module.

Summative:
Mid Semester Test (30%) This assessment will enable students to check their understanding of essential academic skills such as referencing, essay writing, and academic citation.
Assessed group presentation (based on group research project) (70%) This assessment will enable students to demonstrate evidence of written prose, argumentation, academic citation, independent research, oral presentation and team work. (MLO 1-4)

These assessment tasks will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of essential academic skills learnt throughout the module.

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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. You will develop core knowledge and abilities in academic writing, research technique, academic citation, public speaking, and presenting your work. You will use these skills to develop and deliver a group presentation towards the end of this module. These essential skills will also be used in modules across the Foundation Year to develop and support your learning.