Module overview
This module has two elements. First, students are introduced to the key concepts of critical thinking needed to analyse, evaluate and compare arguments and develop different points of view. Secondly students are taught how to research a topic using the resources available at the university. The students use all these skills in the second semester to carry out a research project on a topic related to their chosen undergraduate degree subject.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- critical thinking by critically evaluating statements and complex reasoning deriving from them
- the effects of subtle biases and disguised persuasive devices in written, diagrammatic and numerical sources
- how to select and summarise arguments fully, clearly and accurately and produce your own well developed or critical pieces of successful argumentation
- the topic selected for your personal research project.
- how to accurately assess the nature and strength of justification, even when measures are taken to disguise this
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- extract and synthesise key information from written and spoken sources
- understand how to formulate a topic for research
- present reasoned and structured arguments, both orally and in written form
- evaluate evidence, discussion and identify bias
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- prepare and deliver oral contributions
- carry out a literature search using online and library resources.
- prepare, plan and write an extended essay
- reflect on the research you have carried out
- plan and organise your own learning schedule
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- The key transferable skills will be of value in all your future studies.
Syllabus
This module is in two parts:
1. In the first part in Semester One, you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of critical thinking.
2. In the second part, you will conduct a Personal Research Project including an extended essay. This is introduced at the beginning of Semester Two with sessions on preparing the Personal Research Project, (PRP), identifying the research needed under particular topics, a library tour and literature searching. With guidance from your academic advisor you will carry out independent research on your chosen topic. The critical thinking skills you acquired in Semester One are essential for success on your PRP.
If you are a student progressing to studio-based programmes at the Winchester School of Art (WSA), you will prepare a portfolio of art work with the support of a tutor in the studios at WSA.
In this module you will;
a. acquire critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis skills and then later apply these through your PRP.
b. learn how to accurately assess the nature and strength of justification, even when measures are taken to disguise this.
c. analyse and evaluate the effects of subtle biases and disguised persuasive devices in written, diagrammatic and numerical sources.
d. learn how to select and summarise arguments fully, clearly and accurately and produce your own well developed or critical pieces of successful argumentation.
Your PRP will show evidence of your critical thinking skills within the topic you have chosen.
If you are preparing a portfolio of work at WSA, you will learn how to work independently in an art studio.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
Lectures, seminars, library tour and workshop individual support through your academic advisor and module leader.
Learning activities include:
Individual study, group and pair work, preparing presentations and discussions in small groups and tutorials.
In Semester One you will have one two -hour lecture and one hour long seminar each week.
In Semester Two you will have a two one-hour lectures introducing the Personal Research Project and research methods. You will also have a library tour and research workshop. You will have a weekly 15 minute tutorial with your academic advisor, who will support and advise you throughout the whole of the Personal Research Project.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Tutorial | |
Seminar | 18 |
Project supervision | 5 |
Lecture | 18 |
Independent Study | 259 |
Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Haralambos M & Jones R (2003). Critical Thinking for OCR AS level. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Williams K (2009). Getting Critical. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback
on oral presentations
through classroom guidance on critical thinking coursework
on your work via academic advisors on the development of your PRP
on written summaries and referencing sources.
Formal assessments
The assessment will comprise 50% weighting for Critical Thinking and 50% for the PRP. The final mark across both parts of the module will be halved to give a single overall percentage for the module.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Reflective log | 10% |
Source analysis | 10% |
Oral presentation | 10% |
Source analysis | 25% |
Essay | 45% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assignment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal