Overview

Students will develop a range of transferable communication skills on this module. The module will include the following components:

• Dissemination of Information (DoI): Students will hear a series of research lectures and will communicate the content of these in writing

• Writing for Science (WfS): Students will take part in workshops to develop their science writing across a range of skills.

A typical curriculum will include workshops and lectures on: APA writing style, writing succinctly, writing clearly, APA referencing and citations and critical thinking skills.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D+ to D- - A basic knowledge and understanding of topic areas presented. - A description of research presented, with some sections covered clearly. - Some structural issues and only some of the relevant information within the field covered. - Little demonstration of some independent research from academic sources outside of lectures and recommended readings. - Few logically presented and factually correct arguments, mostly undefended by sound scientific evidence - Little original interpretation applied to problems, with few synthesis and critical thinking skills shown. - Weak presentation of material, with little adherence to APA standards and lack of clear communication of scientific content.

-good -B+ to B- - A good knowledge and understanding of topic areas presented. - A scientific description of research presented, with most sections covered clearly and succinctly - Well-structured and mostly relevant coverage of the current field. - A demonstration of some independent research from academic sources outside of lectures and recommended readings. - Mostly logically presented and factually correct arguments, often defended by sound scientific evidence - Some original interpretation applied to problems, with good synthesis and critical thinking skills shown. - Good presentation of material, mostly adhering to APA standards and communicating scientific content well. C+ to C- range answers will reflect the same criteria but to a somewhat lower standard.

-excellent -A** to A- - A comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of topic areas presented. - A highly scientific description of research presented, with all sections covered clearly and succinctly. Well-structured and highly relevant coverage of the current field. - A clear demonstration of independent research from academic sources outside of lectures and recommended readings. - Logically presented and factually correct arguments, defended by sound scientific evidence - Original interpretation applied to problems, with excellent synthesis and critical thinking skills shown. - Excellent presentation of material, fully adhering to APA standards and clearly communicating scientific content.

Learning Outcomes

• 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication in science.

• 2. Demonstrate competent science writing, using format, language, and style appropriate for scientific discourse.

• 3. Demonstrate a clear understanding and/or application of the APA formatting rules and scientific writing style and conventions.

• 4. Present information about one or more of the major areas of psychology in a logical, informative, and scientifically appropriate manner.

• 5. Discuss and evaluate some of the critical and contentious issues currently being debated in the field of psychology.