Academic and Communication Skills A

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2022/17

Institute / School :

Global Professional School

Unit Title:

Academic and Communication Skills A

Unit ID:

GPFSP1101

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

Nil

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

120199

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

The Academic and Communication Skills A course is an introduction to using Australian English to meet the demands of further academic study. The course aims to extend the student's language skills through thinking, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students will be assessed on their ability to communicate ideas, feelings, observations and information effectively, both orally and in writing. English language skills for academic purposes will be consolidated, extended and assessed via specific criteria in all assessment tasks.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

Placement Component: No

Supplementary Assessment:

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

After successfully completing this course students will be able to:

Knowledge:

K1.	Understand the importance and application of literacy and numeracy in academic learning.

K2.	Appreciate the need to create effective learning habits within an academic learning environment.

Skills:

S1.	Analyse roles, responsibilities and expectations in an international higher education context and apply understandings to a range of activities.

S2.	Collaborate effectively with peers while participating in a range of learning tasks for higher studies.

S3.	Analyse and evaluate personal experiences, attributions and independent learning skills to develop an academic transition plan.

S4.	Reflect upon the nature and structure of tertiary writing.

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Analyse connections between higher learning and needs and opportunities of industry and society in a global context and apply understandings to a range of activities.

A2.	Apply knowledge of academic integrity and performance expectations to a range of assessment practices featured in higher degree programs.

Unit Content:

Content covered may include:

Elements of reading, writing, listening, and speaking English
Applying reading, writing, listening, and speaking English to academic progression
Global contexts, social progress, and industry needs of higher learning
Oral presentation skills
Introduction to persuasive language
Individual learning styles, motivations, experiences and expectations
Using language to convey ideas, arguments or evidence

Values:

V1.	Develop the ability to work responsibly, independently and in collaboration with others.

V2.	Develop Intercultural and professional communication skills.

V3.	Values the processes and procedures for collaborative project work including decision making processes, discussion processes, problem solving and creative applications.

V4.	Develop strategies and skills for academic and cultural transitions.

Graduate Attributes:

The Federation University graduate attributes (GA) are entrenched in the Higher Education Graduate Attributes Policy (LT1228).Federation University Australia graduates develop these graduate attributes through their engagement in explicit learning and teaching and assessment tasks that are embedded in all Federation Courses. Graduate attribute attainment typically follows an incremental development process mapped through Course progression. One or more graduate attributes must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each Federation University Australia Unit, and all attributes must be directly assessed in each Course.

Graduate attribute and descriptor		Development and acquisition of GAs in the Unit
Graduate attribute and descriptor		Learning outcomes (KSA)	Assessment task (AT#)
GA 1 Thinkers	Our graduates are curious, reflective and critical. Able to analyse the world in a way that generates valued insights, they are change makers seeking and creating new solutions.	K1, K2, S1, S3, S4, A2	AT1, AT3, AT4
GA 2 Innovators	Our graduates have ideas and are able to realise their dreams. They think and act creatively to achieve and inspire positive change.	K2, S1, S2	AT1, AT3, AT4
GA 3 Citizens	Our graduates engage in socially and culturally appropriate ways to advance individual, community and global well-being. They are socially and environmentally aware, acting ethically, equitably and compassionately.	K1, K2, S1, S2, A1	AT3
GA 4 Communicators	Our graduates create, exchange, impart and convey information, ideas, and concepts effectively. They are respectful, inclusive and empathetic towards their audience, and express thoughts, feelings and information in ways that help others to understand.	K1, K2, S1, S3, S4, A1, A2	AT2
GA 5 Leaders	Our graduates display and promote positive behaviours, and aspire to make a difference. They act with integrity, are receptive to alternatives and foster sustainable and resilient practices.	K2, S1, S2, A1, A2	AT2, AT3, AT4

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1, S1, S2, S4, A1, A2	Project focuses on the skills of reading and writing.	Project	30 - 40%
2.	K1, S2, A2	Presentation focuses on the skills of speaking and listening.	Presentation	20 - 30%
3.	K1, K2, S3, S4, A2	Artifact that demonstrates students ability to reflect on learning.	Reflective Journal	30 - 40%
4.	K1, K2, S1, S3, S4, A2	Student identifies goals and strategies to complete the Foundation Program.	Learning Plan	10 - 20%

Adopted Reference Style:

APA

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency