Module Directory

This module is designed to support students in their academic subject disciplines and to strengthen their confidence in key skills areas such as academic writing, research, academic integrity, and collaborative and reflective practices.

The students are supported through the use of subject-specific materials tailored to their chosen degrees with the alignment of assessments between academic subject modules and the skills module.

The aims of this module are:

• To develop students’ ability to operate effectively, in both written and spoken language, in a range of academic settings.


• To develop students’ basic research skills, encouraging a critical approach to source materials and appropriate use of sources as supporting evidence.


• To encourage independent learning strategies and develop students’ confidence to make judgments and be evaluative.


• To equip students with appropriate and effective language and study skills applicable to their various disciplines.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Produce academic writing which is well-structured, relevant and clearly reasoned.


2. Communicate ideas, information and arguments with clarity, both orally and in written form, which demonstrates the ability to integrate students’ own ideas with those of others.


3. Deliver effective presentations using an appropriate range of visual aids.


4. Comprehend texts on a range of subjects identifying main points from listening and reading material, and demonstrating critical reading skills to assess the usefulness of the information.


5. Make full use of academic libraries and a range of appropriate electronic media for independent research purposes.


6. Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of academic register and referencing conventions.


7. Develop time management strategies, employ self-directed learning and show an ability to reflect on one’s own goals and progress.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, you will have been given the opportunity to practise and improve:

• written and oral communication skills


• critical thinking skills


• IT skills in support of your research for, and completion and submission of, assignments


• following instructions, attention to detail and planning skills


• research skills


• skills appropriate to working with others and as part of a team


• autonomous learning and time management skills

Syllabus

The above syllabus will be developed using both generic material and material which is of specific relevance to law students, including current affairs and consideration of the law in ways which support decolonization of the curriculum such as historical context (Suhraiya Jivraj, Towards Anti-Racist Legal Pedagogy: A Resource SLSA Research Project 2020).

The module will be delivered through a range of seminars, study centre writing and support sessions:

• AU and SU Terms: 2 x 2-hour seminars
• SP Term: 1 x 2-hour seminar and 1 x 2-hour tutorial

This module is designed to support students in their academic subject disciplines and develop their skills and competencies to enable study at undergraduate level. It will strengthen their confidence in key skills areas such as: academic writing and criticality, reading and research, academic integrity, collaborative and reflective practices.

Students are supported through the use of subject-specific materials tailored to their chosen degrees with alignment of assessments between academic subject modules and the skills module. Teaching will include skills and method input, practical research and writing sessions, and one-to-one tutorials. Teaching and learning, and assessment materials with support will be available on the IA197 Moodle site.