This module enables students to develop their research, reading, writing, time-management and organisation skills; it introduces the use of relevant IT and Library resources; and offers training and hands-on experience of basic techniques of camera use and video editing. Like the Performance Skills module, Study Skills equips students at the outset of the degree with essential techniques and knowledge which they will be able to draw on and develop further in the final two years of study.
Module Outline
(Note that at least some of these units are taught in parallel, rather than in sequence, throughout the module)
1. Research Methods
Introduces students to different approaches to research, including the use of traditional print and archive resources as well as electronic databases and internet searching; issues explored include refining and framing research questions, note-taking, managing information collected, and evaluating the sources of information.
2. Analysis and Reading
This unit develops students' skills in understanding, interpreting, and analysing material, whether performed, written, or visual. The emphasis is on students' ability to arrive at a secure understanding of complex material in order to be confident in evaluating and commenting upon it.
3. Writing and Presentation
An opportunity for students to look critically at their own writing and to improve its clarity, concision, and structure. The unit also examines the development of material for oral presentation, and the conventions of referencing and bibliographies.
4. Self-management
Develops students' skills in planning projects, setting priorities, and managing workloads and deadlines; also considers strategies for using time effectively in group collaborative work.
5. Camera and Editing
Offers an introduction to the basics of camera operation (framing shots, lighting conditions, focus, sequencing, etc) and of video editing.
Module Aims
To develop skills in research and information management
To develop students' analytical skills
To allow students to reflect on, and improve, their writing and oral presentation skills
To teach the appropriate scholarly practices for referencing and recording bibliographic material
To improve students' practice in managing their time and workloads
To introduce the basic skills and knowledge for creating video material through camera use and video editing
To enable students to understand and reflect constructively on their own learning processes
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate:
Knowledge of a range of research resources and how best to access them
Ability to assimilate complex material, to summarize it clearly in writing, and to comment upon it critically
Ability to compile a bibliography in the correct format
Ability to meet deadlines both in individual and group work
Knowledge of camera and editing techniques sufficient to produce a short original video presentation as part of a group
Self-awareness as autonomous learners with a knowledge of their own strengths and areas for development
Module Outline
(Note that at least some of these units are taught in parallel, rather than in sequence, throughout the module)
1. Research Methods
Introduces students to different approaches to research, including the use of traditional print and archive resources as well as electronic databases and internet searching; issues explored include refining and framing research questions, note-taking, managing information collected, and evaluating the sources of information.
2. Analysis and Reading
This unit develops students' skills in understanding, interpreting, and analysing material, whether performed, written, or visual. The emphasis is on students' ability to arrive at a secure understanding of complex material in order to be confident in evaluating and commenting upon it.
3. Writing and Presentation
An opportunity for students to look critically at their own writing and to improve its clarity, concision, and structure. The unit also examines the development of material for oral presentation, and the conventions of referencing and bibliographies.
4. Self-management
Develops students' skills in planning projects, setting priorities, and managing workloads and deadlines; also considers strategies for using time effectively in group collaborative work.
5. Camera and Editing
Offers an introduction to the basics of camera operation (framing shots, lighting conditions, focus, sequencing, etc) and of video editing.
Module Aims
To develop skills in research and information management
To develop students' analytical skills
To allow students to reflect on, and improve, their writing and oral presentation skills
To teach the appropriate scholarly practices for referencing and recording bibliographic material
To improve students' practice in managing their time and workloads
To introduce the basic skills and knowledge for creating video material through camera use and video editing
To enable students to understand and reflect constructively on their own learning processes
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate:
Knowledge of a range of research resources and how best to access them
Ability to assimilate complex material, to summarize it clearly in writing, and to comment upon it critically
Ability to compile a bibliography in the correct format
Ability to meet deadlines both in individual and group work
Knowledge of camera and editing techniques sufficient to produce a short original video presentation as part of a group
Self-awareness as autonomous learners with a knowledge of their own strengths and areas for development