Curriculum Information

No matter what a student studies, it is very important for them to feel confident in their intellectual and creative abilities. This module is very specific and detailed in the way it approaches study skills by creating a series of small steps that will cumulatively amount to enhanced confidence.
The module will begin with an exploration of students’ current speaking and writing abilities, with a view to using it as a diagnostic tool.
Then, through a series of workshops, seminars and tutorials, students will be encouraged to learn to think and express these thoughts as effectively as they can. Specifically, they will be taught to:
1. Create mind maps in the act of working through ideas
2. Create outlines from mind-maps
3. Structure essays based on these outlines
4. Think about beginnings, middle and end in a variety of different forms of writing – e.g., essays, academic writing, letter writing, reports, creative writing etc.
5. Develop research skills
6. Explore the importance of a history of ideas and how it is referenced in academic writing
7. Discuss ideas verbally in a collegiate atmosphere
8. Build ideas up to a verbal presentation
9. Use powerpoint and similar techniques in presentations
10. Present thoughts and ideas orally
Throughout their exploration of these fundamental principles of expressing themselves, students will be encouraged to confront ideas, make their own minds up about them and learn to both write and talk about them, making reference to a body of thinking that has gone before.
By doing so, this module will hope to instill a sense of self-confidence in whatever intellectual tasks students face.