PY1SKE-Skills for Psychology with Academic Language

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: PY1SK Skills for Psychology
Current from: 2018/9

Module Convenor: Dr Juliane Honisch

Email: j.j.honisch@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module is available to students registered for Single or Joint programmes within Psychology. It introduces students to a range of academic and practical skills that are important for studyi

ng psychology with the additional focus on improving students’ academic language. Students will be encouraged to develop their academic skills with feedback from personal tutors and other staff. The module combines lectures, computer-based workshops, self-study and tutorial meetings. 

Aims:
Students will develop their skills as psychologists, to a level appropriate for first-year university students, providing a good foundation for more advanced work in the subject. Some of these skills, such as literature searching, research interpretation, essay writing and critiques, will be useful in spheres other than academic psychology. The module specifically aims to support international and national students to develop good written and verbal academic language skills so that they can achieve their best in their studies.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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


• Summarise psychological research


• Interpret and evaluate research


• Identify and reflect on their own learning


• Demonstrate referencing skills appropriate for a Psychology student

Additional outcomes:

Students will additionally develop their skills in written communication (including essay writing), literature searching and giving presentations. They will learn to reflect on feedback to inform future work, and strengthen their time management and planning abilities. There will be a specific emphasis on written communication skills in this module. 

Outline content:

The module covers six key areas to be explored in a number of lectures, tutorials and assignments: - Library skills and literature searching - Critical evaluation & interpretation - Presenting research orally and in writing - Good academic practice – Written work and feedback - Academic Language 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching and learning methods include lectures, tutorials, computer-based workshops and self-study. We will draw on resources provided by the University (e.g. Study Advice website, Library catalogue and resources) as well as subject-specific teaching material within the School. Specialist workshops will be delivered, developed by staff from ISLI and Psychology. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8	5
Tutorials	2	3	1
Practicals classes and workshops	7	9
Guided independent study	83	66	16
Total hours by term	100.00	83.00	17.00
Total hours for module	200.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	65
Oral assessment and presentation	10
Set exercise	10
Class test administered by School	15

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed by coursework. Students undertake a variety of written and practical assignments. Written assignments (which contribute 65% of the module mark) include a critical review (25%), an academic portfolio (25%) and a reflective report (15%). Other assessments include an oral presentation to the tutorial group (10%), and completion of two workshops (5%), an out-of-classroom online test (15%) and exercises in preparation for, and during, tutorials (5%).

Formative assessment methods:

The module structure and tutors' feedback on assignments provides students with opportunities to apply feedback in order to improve their skills on future assignments, both within and outside the module.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
An average mark of 40% for the module.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submission of written assignments before end of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 28 September 2018