Module: Critical Thinking & Independent Learning

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Critical Thinking & Independent Learning
Module Code	CM153 (ITS) / SBS1001 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Communications
Module Co-ordinator	Jim Rogers
Module Teachers	Jane Suiter
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

This course introduces first year undergraduate students to the conventions of academic study. It highlights differences between the secondary school process and university expectations in terms of intellectual application. It places emphasis on developing, for the student, an approach to study and research based upon critical analysis, engagement and understanding with/of concepts and ideas fundamental to aspects of human communication, both interpersonal and mediated. The module is aimed at fostering the student’s ability to bridge the transition to independent learning and cultivating their creativity and talents. Throughout this module, a strong emphasis is placed on learning as a co-operative endeavour and partnership relationship.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the difference between secondary school and third level approaches to teaching and learning
2. Demonstrate competence in academic writing techniques such as the development of logical argument and of appropriate referencing
3. Develop techniques aimed at the successful negotiation of individual and group work situations.
4. Identify and critically engage with appropriate research resources.
5. Reflect on the learning experience and draw conclusions from such reflection
6. Analyse problems and effectively communicate their analysis to their peers
7. Engage with the concepts of critical thinking and practice these

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	No Description
Independent Study	70	No Description
Assignment Completion	22	No Description
Seminars	11	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

To enhance the student’s ability to conceptualise clear, coherent and logical arguments

Creative and interactive approaches to group work.

Developing skills relevant to critical reading, and clear written communication skills appropriate to an academic context. Furthermore, to enhance confidence and competency in the planning and delivery of oral presentations and written reports.

Introduction to research skills, library skills and effective planning of essays and projects.

Approaches to independent learning and reflection upon various learning styles and techniques appropriate to academic study and research.

Critical thinking and key concepts

Thinking about "common sense"

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Seminar and lecture participation - including class presentations and debates	50%	n/a
Participation	Moodle quiz based on library skills workshop	10%	n/a
Participation	Production of an essay plan and individual annotated bibliography	20%	n/a
Assignment	Completion of citing & referencing exercises	10%	n/a
Assignment	Maintaining a media & communications diary	10%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

M. Neil Browne, Stuart M. Keeley: 0, Asking the right questions : a guide to critical thinking, 10th, Allyn & Bacon ; Pearson Education, Boston, Mass. : London :,
Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein: 2010, "They Say / I Say", 2nd, W W Norton,
Stella Cottrell: 2003, Study Skills Handbook, 2nd ed., Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 1403911355

Other Resources

None