DFS1611

Understanding University Learning ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Stuart Levy

Offered:
Gippsland First semester 2006 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: Introduction to the fundamental skills necessary for a variety of disciplines. Topics include: student transition to independent learning focusing on the issues and the cultural changes that confront new students; the changing nature of universities and current debates surrounding the nature and purposes of university degrees; the fundamentals of critical thinking including the nature of knowledge and inquiry, the use of discourse and effective communication skills.

Objectives: After successfully completing this unit students will: 1. Understand the centrality of critical thinking in university scholarship; 2. Be able to employ relevant theoretical and practical knowledge in a range of skills central to university learning, including critical reading and writing; 3. Have an appreciation of the skills necessary to maximise their learning from lectures, tutorials and teaching materials; and 4. Specifically, they will be able to produce essays and reports that present a critical argument and adhere to the standard conventions of academic presentation.

Assessment: <Off-campus students> assignment (500 words) OR Tutorial attendence: 10% + Minor essay (1000 words): 20% + Major essay (1500 words): 35% + Examination (2 hours): 35%

Contact Hours: 4 hours (1 x 2 hour lecture and 1 x 2 hour tutorial) per week

Prohibitions: GSC1611