Module FOUN0297: DEVELOPING CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Department: Foundation Year [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

FOUN0297: DEVELOPING CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Type	Open	Level	0	Credits	10	Availability	Available in 2010/11	Module Cap	None.	Location	Queen's Campus Stockton

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop an interest in and promote the study of current affairs.
• to develop knowledge and understanding of selected themes and topics particularly with a view to critical analysis.
• to help students gain a familiarity with 'Britain' and the concerns of British culture.
• to develop academic writing skills.
• to develop speaking and listening skills.

Content

• The module will focus on contemporary issues, and the background to them, as presented in various media, and on collecting information about the events from other sources (e.g. the library).
• The main focus will be to foster a cultural shift in thinking away from description and explanation, towards a more critical analysis.
• Topics may include looking at the science behind genetic engineering, global warming and BSE, examining the financial background to the introduction of the Euro, comparing the building of the Dome with other monuments and exhibitions from the past, considering the changes in warfare over the last century, analysing the complex and considerable issues involved in child adoption.
• Students will use a variety of secondary sources to ask critical questions of these and related subjects.
• The student will be expected to: take part in discussions by making an effective contribution and creating opportunities for others to contribute.
• develop a range of speaking and listening skills.
• produce written material that explores a range of attitudes and views and expresses ideas coherently and logically.
• read and respond to a variety of written and visual material.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the course students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• make effective use of relevant factual knowledge to demonstrate an understanding and a critical evaluation of key events in current affairs.
• communicate relevant ideas and central issues concerning current affairs to their fellow students and to express them confidently in written work.

• By the end of the course students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• identify and distinguish between primary and secondary sources
• read, extract and summarise information from a variety of sources.
• analyse, evaluate and interpret a variety of media sources
• evaluate, analyse and interpret secondary material.
• engage in debates with fellow students in an academic manner
• write in a clear concise manner appropriate to the material
• present clear, concise, logical and relevant arguments.

• By the end of the module students will:
• be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills
• be able to communicate effectively orally
• demonstrate an ability to work with others
• be able to communicate effectively in writing

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• All teaching will take the form of seminars with a view to encouraging the active participation of the students.
• Throughout the programme the students will be given a range of exercises designed to develop their ability to understand, critically analyse and formulate arguments.
• The assessment methods aim to take account of the need of the students to be able to make effective use of primary and secondary sources, and to express their ideas both verbally and in writing.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Seminars	11	Weekly	3 hours	33	■
Preparation and Reading				67
Total				100

Summative Assessment

One 1500 word essay (50%); analysis of secondary source material (25%); class presentation (25%)

Formative Assessment:

Exercises and library research. Particular emphasis will be given to assignments devised to develop critical thinking, evaluating different perspectives, understanding and expressing points of view and distinguishing between fact and opinion. Students will also develop their presentation skills in formative assessment.

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■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University