Overview

This module develops academic English and academic skills for postgraduate study. You will practice asking and answering complex questions on academic texts, reviewing grammar and vocabulary for presenting information clearly in both written and spoken forms. Additionally, you will learn to employ critical thinking in evaluating academic arguments, and develop independent study skills and reflective self-evaluation. We will focus on using sources effectively, organising your thoughts and arguments, and preparing high-quality academic presentations.

Topics covered in the module include:

• Identifying and evaluating key arguments
• Critically engaging with content
• Assessing source credibility
• Recognising bias and assumptions
• Analysing evidence and logic
• Determining relevancy of sources
• Demonstrating original thought
• Synthesising concepts
• Finding relevant sources
• Using in-text citations
• Creating references lists
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Elements of argument
• Crafting claims and evidence
• Thesis statements
• Writing essays
• Proofreading and editing
• Refining arguments
• Verbal delivery skills and using visual aids
• Preparing presentation outlines
• Practicing and performing presentations

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40%-49% / D- to D+) Can deliver an academic presentation and generally be understood. However, at times speech may be incoherent. Can write an essay synthesising information and arguments from different sources. However, there are weaknesses with structure and clarity of argumentation and some grammar and vocabulary errors.

Satisfactory (50%–59% / C- to C+) Can deliver an academic presentation and be understood throughout. Can write an essay synthesising information and arguments from different sources. The essay has a clear overall structure but there may be weaknesses in coherence at paragraph level, argumentation, and some grammar and vocabulary errors.

Good (60%-69% / B- to B+) Can confidently deliver an academic presentation in an appropriate manner. Can write an essay synthesising information and arguments from a variety of sources and comment on these. The essay has a clear structure and logical argumentation. Errors in grammar and vocabulary are minimal.

Excellent (70%-100% / A- to A*) Can confidently deliver an academic presentation in an appropriate and skilled manner. Can write an essay synthesising information and arguments from a variety of sources commenting and expanding on multiple perspectives. The essay has a clear structure, logical argumentation and precise language. Errors in grammar and vocabulary are extremely rare.

Learning Outcomes

• Communicate complex ideas and critical perspectives in both oral and written form.

• Critically assess written academic texts to evaluate key arguments and evidence.

• Demonstrate conceptual understanding and apply self-direction and originality in selecting appropriate sources.

• Synthesise relevant content from a variety of academic sources using proper citation and referencing techniques.