QCD210 Academic Communication 2


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Unit Outline: College 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:QCD210
Credit points:12
Coordinator:Loretta Smith | l71.smith@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit helps to develop the academic writing and literacy skills needed to be a successful, ethically responsible, independent learner in undergraduate university programs. You will study this unit concurrently with discipline specific units related to your chosen undergraduate degree. The skills you engage with in this unit are transferrable to your discipline specific units.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Source and evaluate information from a range of academic texts
  2. Identify, critically analyse and synthesise information to form an academic argument
  3. Apply knowledge to the construction of a variety of academic texts.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to participate effectively in a small group discussion
  5. Demonstrate a clear understanding of academic integrity through appropriately integrating print and/or visual sources using APA Referencing Style.

Content

Major topics covered in this unit include:
· managing complex information
· sourcing, evaluating and using information
· critical thinking
· synthesising and expressing ideas
· writing as a process
· independent learning
· responding to academic tasks
· developing feedback strategies

Learning Approaches

This unit takes a blended approach to learning and teaching and is designed to encourage the learner to actively engage in a variety of learning opportunities around content. During the course of the unit you will have access to both timetabled activities such as workshops, tutorials, and to eContent. During the timetabled activities, you will be provided with opportunities to explore the unit content in a collaborative learning environment. eContent will be clearly identified on your Canvas site for you to engage with on a weekly basis. eContent could include videos, readings, self-reflection or peer activities and is designed to enhance your learning experience. After your weekly classes, it is expected that you continue to engage with the available resources to ensure you consolidate your understanding of unit content.

This unit provides a supportive learning environment in which you are encouraged to take risks with your academic language production. Teaching team members will  be available for one-on-one consultations throughout the teaching period to assist you with your learning journey.

You will be challenged through regular tasks that are designed to build your academic language and literacy knowledge. During workshops and tutorials, opportunities will be provided for you to develop and refine your academic practices.

The knowledge and skills you gain in this unit can also be applied to your discipline units. An important aspect of your development as a successful learner is the ability to transfer the knowledge and skills gained in this unit to other contexts.

 This unit adopts strategies which support and promote independent learning.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

  • Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
  • Formal: in writing, such as checklists, rubrics, written commentary
  • Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
  • Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

Modification to assessment may be required based on mode of study.

This unit takes a scenario-based approach to assessment. Assessment items are connected to each other and build in complexity over the course of the unit. You will be required to progressively provide evidence of your engagement with the assessment items as this unit aims to build sustainable academic practices.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Summary Notes table

You will complete a  summary notes based table for four journal articles that will be provided to you.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 10
Length: 800 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 4
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Literature Review

You are required to narrow the broader topic provided and identify an area of focus. This focus area will become the topic of your literature review. As a literature review requires you to read widely and critically evaluate sources, you are strongly encouraged to show your tutor a draft of at least one paragraph of your work.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 35
Length: 1200 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 9
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5

Assessment: Small Group Discussion

You must select what you consider to be the most significant or influential source you used in your literature review. You should evaluate and reflect on this source as you will need to prepare to discuss it with a small group of your peers. You will be provided with questions that the group will need to use to guide the discussion. Each group will have 3-4 members and 12-15 minutes to participate in the discussion.

Weight: 25
Length: 12-15 minutes
Individual/Group: Individual and group
Due (indicative): Week 11
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 4

Assessment: Examination

You will be required to write one annotated bibliography entry based on an article that will be provided. This assessment requires the use of evaluation, reflection and synthesising skills.

 

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Exam block
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

QCD210 Canvas site
QUT Cite/Write

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

QUT Business Capabilities (Diploma)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO2, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Examination

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: Literature Review

KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills

Relates to: ULO1, Small Group Discussion, Examination

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: ULO1, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Examination

PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)

Relates to: ULO5, Small Group Discussion

TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability

Relates to: ULO3

TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills

Relates to: ULO3, ULO5, Small Group Discussion

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

BS40 Diploma in Business

  1. Investigate real world business problems and situations through the effective analysis and evaluation of foundational theoretical and practical knowledge.
    Relates to: ULO2, Literature Review
  2. Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of written genres.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Small Group Discussion, Examination
  3. Communicate effectively using academic language and literacy skills appropriate to purpose and context across a range of oral genres.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Small Group Discussion
  4. Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration.
    Relates to: ULO5

EN02 Diploma in Engineering

  1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Summary Notes table, Literature Review, Small Group Discussion, Examination
  2. Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO5

HL10 Diploma in Health Science

  1. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to conduct health assessment, and to promote the health and welfare of individuals and/or groups in the community across the lifespan.
    Relates to: Literature Review
  2. Communicate effectively in an academic and professional manner, individually and in a team.
    Relates to: Summary Notes table, Literature Review

IT10 Diploma in Information Technology

  1. Communicate effectively in academic contexts
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Literature Review, Small Group Discussion, Examination