PO1DCC-Degree Core Competencies

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 0 [0 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: v.rauta@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will introduce students to key strategies and academic skills necessary to support their undergraduate studies. Students will engage with a series of key competences that will underpin three years of steadily more independent academic progression, including writing, referencing, presenting, teamwork and engaging with feedback. It will include the development of key skills to facilitate transition and adjustment to developing independent learning and building personal and academic strengths. The module will also explore a range of challenges frequently encountered by students along with coping strategies and advice on accessing the network of support available. There will also be opportunities for students to develop an understanding of how skills developed throughout their degree transfer to the workplace. 

Aims:

This course aims to develop an understanding of the skill requirements of undergraduate study; from locating and making the best use of source material;  reflecting on their academic and personal skills; mastering academic referencing conventions; learning how to construct a bibliography; understand, explain and avoid plagiarism; understand the grading system and how markers use them; make effective use of feedback to improve future performance; and, start to plan for the future, for example by reflecting on how academic and personal skills apply outside of the course.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Understanding of how to use independent learning time for effective research


• Competency in academic conventions, including referencing and bibliographies


• Understanding of marking criteria and the use of feedback, including rubrics and marking scales


• Avoiding plagiarism and creating independent work


• Identifying personal challenges including when and how to access support


• Developing skills to strengthen learning, self-management and resilience to do well and be well


• Identify a range of skills that transfer to the workplace and how to explore their different applications

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Writing skills, research techniques, academic expectations, presentation skills, feedback, personal challenges, and strategies for overcoming them, transferable skills.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

An initial lecture, followed by three weeks of seminars (two 2-hour seminars and one 1-hour seminar)

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

N/A

Formative assessment methods:

In-class individual and group exercises to test and reinforce each competency.

Penalties for late submission:

N/A

Assessment requirements for a pass:

N/A

Reassessment arrangements:

N/A

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 September 2020