Skills development lectures

Series
Abstract
The lectures have been designed in such a way that one lecture is given per week. The lectures track the progression of the course and the skills that need to be refined. As such, the lectures are sensitive to coursework submissions and provide guidance within that context. The lectures are presented most commonly by the postgraduate team of tutors. This enables students to ask questions more freely. The lectures aim to be interactive – with tutors roaming the lecture space and encouraging participation (be it through questions, class or group exercises). This lecture series is aimed to help undergraduate students (in particular, those in senior years of study) to navigate through the academic challenges they face. The series focuses on more sophisticated forms of reading and research. It also aims to assist students in writing longer and more complex pieces. The series offers both theoretical/conceptual and practical guidance. The lecture series programme is as follows: 1. Concept, theory, case: seeks to differentiate between areas of analysis, and instil an understanding of concepts and theories as contested, changing, and often part of wider debate; 2. Building an argument: encourages students to think about their writing more critically and to form strategies for improving their argumentation; 3. Finding Your Academic Voice: this lecture aims to show students how they can source more effectively. It goes on to discuss how students can evaluate sources and the importance of not losing their own voice/argumentation in their writing; 4. Acting on Feedback: discusses how students can discern the meaning of feedback and respond accordingly; 5. The Merit of Methodology: touches on approaches to research and the need to consider methodology when developing research questions; 6. Writing a Research Proposal: discusses the use of a research proposal as well as the practicalities of putting one together; 7. Research Essay: Research, Think, Write: emphasises the need to plan and research before writing; 8. Research Essay: Structure, Argumentation, Originality and Etiquette: discusses the challenges and pressures of writing a longer academic piece; 9. Tests and Exams: revision and exam tips.
Description

Funded by OpenUCT.

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