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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Orla Feeney
Semester 2: Orla Feeney
Autumn: Orla Feeney
Module TeachersOrla Feeney
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Description

The objective of this module is to develop the critical thinking skills of our first year undergraduate students. Particular emphasis will be placed on evaluating and interpreting different types of information as well as supporting students in developing their critical reasoning and problem solving abilities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct reliable and effective library research, with a particular emphasis on electronic information sources, as well as use appropriate citing and referencing techniques.
2. Access and evaluate a wide range of information sources which can be used to inform the decision-making process.
3. Explore issues and make decisions using well researched facts, rules, concepts and ideas.
4. Recognise the broader international, economic, societal and environmental contexts in which business is being conducted and decisions are being made.
5. Understand and recognise bias in a decision-making or problem-solving scenario and develop skills to counteract its negative impact.
6. Think critically and logically when forming opinions and judgments.
7. Combine insights from a broad range of disciplines and understand the importance of the weight of evidence in a decision-making situation.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture5Large plenary sessions
Seminars3Small group interactive classes of between 30 and 35 students.
Fieldwork6No Description
Online activity8Online learning exercises and discussions
Independent Study83Class preparation and follow up
Assignment Completion20Individual assignment
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

Library and research skills: how to search for evidence
In partnership with the library, deliver training and online exercises in library databases and resources. Teach students about the importance of supporting claims with appropriate sources and referencing.

Reviewing & Evaluating Evidence
Guide students in the skills required to identify and access information to support business decisions. Teach them what is meant by the term ‘evidence’ and help them to develop skills to evaluate and interpret different types of evidence.

Identifying Bias
Teach students how to recognise bias, to understand the impact of bias in how we evaluate evidence and how to overcome bias and make better and more effective decisions.

Critical Reflection and Writing
Support students in developing their critical reflection skills and improve their critical analysis capabilities. Work on their ability to convey the output of their critical thinking, primarily through developing their critical writing skills.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Loop QuizLibrary skills quiz15%n/a
Group assignmentAs members of a sustainability development team in an Irish organisation, students will critically examine sustainability challenges pertinent to an organisation.30%n/a
Reflective journalShort reflective questionnaire based on lectures10%n/a
AssignmentPre assignment to facilitate workshop prep and post workshop assignment to utilise tools studied in workshop15%n/a
AssignmentFinal cap-stone assignment incorporating all module components30%n/a
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    None

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