CYP3103 - General Studies and Project

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a wider knowledge about suitable academic topics that are related to their field of study and the wider field of academia.
Plan an effective presentation and project based on existing academic literature and sources. Use and present learning with study skills acquired.
Present a verbal account of a problem or area of interest.
Demonstrate reflection on the problems that they encountered and the learning that has taken place in their foundation year.

Content:

This module will allow students to study areas of interest related to their chosen future academic specialisation. The subject content for each student will be varied and the learning when conducting research for the project will be highly personalised. General studies learning will be offered to enhance knowledge and experience. Time will be allocated so students can explore topics and the form that their projects could take. Peer assessment of their project ideas will be encouraged. Students will work individually on their chosen project.

Students will focus exclusively on existing academic literature and other secondary sources. No primary empirical research will be undertaken. The format that students wish to present their project work in will be negotiable. It may be for instance a written report, a presentation and oral examination, or film.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will utilise student-centred learning. Learning will take place around a general studies theme and incorporate co-creation to adapt any subject students wish to learn about. Students will undertake problem-solving learning and formative feedback will be provided throughout the module. Students will initially attend workshops where tutors will work with them on how to conduct and construct a successful verbal presentation and then later a project report. In addition to this experience, students will be able to individually discuss their learning and projects with a member of academic staff throughout the semester. All learning will be supportive with an aim to foster increased self-confidence and self-responsibility. Topics and how information is to be presented for assessment will be individually negotiated between students and members of staff.

Workshops and Seminars
Hours: 40
Intended Group Size: 50

Tutorials
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: 25

Supervision
Hours: 4
Intended Group Size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 236

Further details relating to assessment
An individual verbal presentation to be given about a relevant topic of choice, personal to the student. To be educational for the group and to enhance speaking skills and personal confidence.

The project will require a student to undertake a sustained piece of academic work on a negotiated topic that they agree with the module tutor. This proposal will need to be on a topic related to a student’s intended area of future study. Students will also be able to negotiate the format in which they will present their project work. For example, they could choose to be assessed by a written report, film, a series of blog entries or a portfolio with reflections.

As this is a negotiated assessment module the marking criteria for each student will become part of the negotiation process. As this is a non-empirical project research the traditional academic ethics clearance will not be required.

Assessment:

001 Verbal presentation; 5 minutes (750 words equiv.); mid-term 1 30%
002 Project; negotiated assessment; 2,000 words equiv; term 3 70%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Amanda Jefferson
Level - 0
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 3YL

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