Units

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Sample subject outline - 13 Week Teaching Period - 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Knowledge and understanding of academic genres are essential for success, particularly in a higher education context. International students will encounter new genres in an Australian higher education context. Not only will they need to become competent users of these genres to succeed in their postgraduate degrees, they may also need to adapt to different learning and teaching styles.

Aims

This unit aims to explore different academic genres through the content of communication theory to enhance international students' competency in the use of these genres. It will provide opportunities for students to gain knowledge and understanding of common academic genres in an Australian university context to enhance their competency in terms of their use of these genres.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. identify and explain introductory communication theory and apply it to a number of academic genres (Knowledge) (UCGC 1, UCGC 2, UCGC 3, UCGC 6)



2. produce a range of written and spoken academic genres, using appropriate conventions and technically correct expression (Communication) (UCGC 1, UCGC 5, UCGC 6)



3. select appropriate critical and analytical thinking strategies to evaluate given scenarios and provide solutions through the effective use of primary and secondary research (Critical thinking and Problem solving) (UCGC 4, UCGC 5, UCGC 6)



4. work productively and co-operatively as a team member (Communication) (UCGC 5, UCGC 6)

Key: University Certificate in Tertiary Preparation Graduate Capabilities
UCGC 1: Effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
UCGC 2: Knowledge pertinent to a range of subject areas
UCGC 3: Skills appropriate to a range of subject areas at the level of entry to the degree
UCGC 4: Developing critical, creative, reflective and analytical thinking and effective problem solving for academic and real world contexts
UCGC 5: The ability to work independently and collaboratively
UCGC 6: Social and ethical responsibility

Content

Weekly Topics
Week 1
Introduction; Genre theory

Week 2
Survey questionnaire genre

Week 3
Report genre

Week 4
Business letter, email, instruction genres

Week 5
Ethics

Week 6
Oral genres

Week 7
Group dynamics

Week 8
The case study genre

Week 9
Interpersonal communication

Week 10
Negotiation

Week 11
Persuasion

Week 12
Intercultural Communication

Week 13
Revision

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

You will undertake supervised primary and secondary research projects in which you must critically analyse real situations, and then - with due regard to professional communication ethical considerations - create appropriate recommendations. You are encouraged to use the latest computer technology to assist you in your research. The end products of these endeavours are to be documented and also discussed for peer evaluation and debate. The weekly lectures frequently refer to the cultural and gender implications of communications among and between a diversity of peoples and countries. Both written and oral skills, which are applicable to university study (specifically) and the workplace (in general), are developed.

Lecture material and other resources will be available on the QCD211 Blackboard site.

Late Assignment Policy
You will be penalised for late submission of assignments. Refer to the University Certificate in Tertiary Preparation Course Guide for details.

Review of Grades or Academic Rulings
For rules on how to apply for a review of grade, refer to the University Certificate in Tertiary Preparation Course Guide.

Consultation
Your lecturer and tutor will be available for consultation from Week 2. Times will be advised in class and will also be displayed on Blackboard and in a schedule at Reception on Level 3.

Exam Timetable
The exam timetable will be displayed on the Noticeboard on Level 3 and on Blackboard by Week 11.

Assessment

Summative Assessment (SA)
Summative assessment is included in the calculation of your final grade.

Formative Assessment (FA)
Formative assessment is used to provide feedback to you to assist with your progress.

This unit may require students to submit their assessment items through SafeAssign.
Please refer to the Week 1 document for this unit.You will receive detailed written feedback on Assessments No. 1 - 2. In addition, you are encouraged to discuss the results of these assessments with your lecturer and/or tutor during consultation hours.

Assessment name: Report Project
Description: Summative and Formative Assessment
a) Questionnaire (FA)
b) 1200 word report (SA)
c) Group discussions of report recommendations (SA)
Individual (2a, 2b) and Group (2c)
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 34, 9 & 10

Assessment name: Final Exam
Description: Summative Assessment
A two-hour final exam will be held during the end of semester exam period in week 14. The exam will consist of a 1000 - 1200 word essay in which you apply communication theory to a case study. You will choose a case study for this exam from questions given in week 10. You will subsequently prepare a prescribed reference page for approval to take to the exam. To perform successfully in the exam, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to successfully identify, analyse and use key language and communication concepts.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period-Week 14

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts

1. All required readings will be available on the QCD211 Blackboard site to the CMD.
   
2. QUT Cite/Write.
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   Risk assessment statement

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

   Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

   Last modified: 14-Mar-2013