JJ0IUSN-Introduction to University Study

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 0 [0 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mr Bruce Howell
Email: d.b.howell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is delivered at the University of Reading Malaysia in July/August as an extension to the existing IFP programme. It is an introduction to the expectations of university study, taken intensively before any other module begins.

Aims:

This module aims to:

1. Explain important features of university study in comparison to school study, and the related expectations: reading habits, self-directed learning, academic integrity, email communication, discussion skills, public speaking.

2. Give experience of meeting university academic skills expectations, to develop confidence.

3. Illustrate university academic skills through themes (sense of place, food, sustainability).

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, student should be able to:

• Recognise basic university study expectations


• Appreciate the value of reading around a subject and question others in order to develop discussion


• Create a short presentation of personal views on a topic.

Additional outcomes:

Microsoft Office skills

Awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Outline content:

Themes, through reading texts, talks or videos, will be presented to illustrate basic academic skills and as a vehicle to active them. The themes are:

• the difference between school and university


• cultural and geographical identities


• food (You are what you eat!)


• sustainable development

Students will be asked to

• Begin to read and listen critically


• Build confidence to question information or opinions


• Prepare for and deliver a presentation

Begin to learn independently.

Global context:

Where appropriate, please add a sentence regarding the global context of the module. This may include comment that the module deals with international issues in the specific subject, perhaps utilises global case studies or speakers giving a global or overseas perspective.

The theme topics of cultural/geographical identities, food, and sustainable development are intentionally chosen to create discussion around issues studied at universities which are global in nature. This emphasises how important it is to have awareness of the wider context.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Delivered wholly online, using BlackBoard and its features such as Collaborate. There is a ‘main room’ for whole-group sessions and separate ‘rooms’ for smaller-group teaching.

Intensive delivery over four weeks. Synchronous 45-minute live sessions on most working days.

Many of the sessions are workshop-based.

Most tasks will be required to be completed within live sessions, since the module is not for credit, however there will also be some reading and quizzes set.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures			10
Seminars			40
Tutorials			5
Project Supervision			5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)			10
Preparation for presentations			10
Completion of formative assessment tasks			10
Group study tasks			10
Total hours by term	0	0	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method

Percentage

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

1. Weekly contributions to Padlet, making use of self-monitoring through ‘traffic light’ rating. Lecturers will also comment on student contributions.


2. BlackBoard Quizzes, which give corrective feedback when needed.


3. Engagement with online discussions.


4. Presentation speaking (live or recorded), with qualitative feedback from lecturers.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023