Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Portfolio & Essay Comprises of a 250 word essay-related research question, abstract and model bibliography (5%); a 1,500 word essay (35%); and a 1,500 word reflective portfolio (35%). 3250 Words | 75% |
| Semester Assessment | Presentation Comprises of a presentation on the topic of the essay. 10 Minutes | 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Portfolio & Essay Comprises of a 250 word essay-related research question, abstract and model bibliography (5%); a 1,500 word essay (35%); and a 1,500 word reflective portfolio (35%). 3250 Words | 75% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Presentation Comprises of a presentation on the topic of the essay. 10 Minutes | 25% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
select, recognize and evaluate reliable resources both in language and content
plan effectively for oral presentations in the target language
plan effectively for written essays both in English and in the target language
use in-text citation and different reference systems
write/present a clear and well-structured argument both orally and in essay writing in response to an essay question
read critically journal abstracts to evaluate the importance of a piece of research in peer-reviewed publications
demonstrate awareness of approaches and techniques that are commonly used in language learning
demonstrate awareness of and apply critical reflection techniques
Brief description
This module will provide students with the necessary skills to: write brief and extended pieces of work; present a coherent argument, organize and support their ideas; communicate orally in the target language; use on-line sources and archives proficiently within academic conventions. Through problem-solving and oral and written tasks, students will gain confidence in time management, developing planning, analytical, interpretive, persuasive and critical skills. To achieve this goal students will also be taught how to become a proficient reader when researching a topic. Students will also study the use of databases and will be given tips on how to source the best possible information with regard to both language and content.
Aims
This module is an introduction to the skills necessary for students reading Modern Languages. The aim of this module is to provide the necessary tools / skills for students who will be working with: academic writing; oral presentations in the target language; reflexive writing; referencing; research databases; on-line language resources; archive / library collections; and a range of bibliographic databases. The module will help students develop the study and research skills necessary to be successful in their Modern Languages degree, tackling common areas of difficulty.
Content
Students will cover the main theoretical aspects of the material as well as learning written and oral techniques which will enable them to start solving the most frequent problems first year undergraduates face. Students will be prepared both linguistically and intellectually for the demands of essay writing, reflective writing, translation and oral presentation. Students will also gain knowledge of bibliographical techniques, referencing and citation, on-line research, use of archives and time management, developing their confidence and academic skills. Students will also have the opportunity to put these skills into practice, via workshopping and practical exercies.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Communication | Students will be introduced to communication techniques, both oral and written in English and the target language. They will also have the opportunity to practice their presentation skills via both formative and summative assessments. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will produce a reflective piece related to the topics covered. |
| Information Technology | Students will have to use accurately relevant software related particularly to language learning and to use proficiently on-line databases and research resources |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Students will work independently, developing study skills alongside their written and oral skills both in English and in the target language, practice oral presentations and evaluate their own performance techniques. Reflective exercises will help support their personal development and career planning. |
| Problem solving | This module is designed to address the most common problems that UG students face when studying a language and interpreting target language texts and to equip them with a knowledge of the tools available to them. |
| Research skills | Students will be introduced to a variety of research skills across the module and will be enabled to put these into practice via in-class exercises and assessments. They will research topics related to the target language culture and use sources and practical sessions to evaluate materials for writing essays or making oral presentations. They will also prepare specific exercises for the practical classes, enriching their literacy and comprehension. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Inter-personal and communication skills; target language skills; knowledge of culture and diversity; debating and public speaking; on-line resources |
| Team work | Students will undertake group work and peer evaluation exercises at various points across the module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4