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. They will need to become competent users of these genres to succeed in their undergraduate 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 that will 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.
   
   
2. Produce a range of written and spoken academic genres, using appropriate conventions and technically correct expression.
   
   
3. Select appropriate critical and analytical thinking strategies to evaluate given scenarios and provide solutions through the effective use of primary and secondary research.
   
   
4. Work productively and co-operatively as a team member.

   Content

   Weekly Topics
   
   Week 1
   

5. Introduction to communication theory
   
   Week 2
   
6. Questionnaire genre and introduction to report genre
   
   Week 3
   
7. Report genre
   
   Week 4
   
8. Business letter, email and instructions genre
   
   Week 5
   
9. Ethics
   
   Week 6
   
10. The case study genre
    
    Week 7
    
11. Interpersonal communication
    
    Week 8
    
12. Oral skills
    
    Week 9
    
13. Group dynamics
    
    Week 10
    
14. Persuasion
    
    Week 11
    
15. Negotiation
    
    Week 12
    
16. Intercultural communication
    
    Week 13
    
17. Revision

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning

    This unit is delivered through both direct instruction (via lectures) and collaborative/co-constructive learning (via workshops/tutorials) supported by materials on the BB site and on the CMD. Learning will be enhanced by active participation in the weekly tasks, reflections and engagement with the readings. The unit engages students with authentic tasks connected to the real world.
    
    Late Assignment Policy
    There will be penalties for late submission of assignments. Refer to the Diploma or 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 Diploma or University Certificate in Tertiary Preparation Course Guide.
    
    Consultation
    The lecturer and tutors will be available for consultation from Week 2. Times will be advised in class and will also be displayed on Blackboard and on a schedule at Reception on Level 3.
    
    Exam Timetable
    The exam timetable will be displayed on the Noticeboard on Level 3 by Week 11.

    Assessment

    Summative Assessment (SA)
    Summative assessment is included in the calculation of the final grade.
    Formative Assessment (FA)
    Formative assessment is used to provide feedback to assist with progress.

    
    
    This unit will require students to submit their assessment items through SafeAssign.
    Please refer to the Week 1 document for this unit.

    Assessment name: Report Project
    Description: Written report based on primary data generated from the questionnaire and group discussion relating to recommendations provided in this report.
    Part i. Questionnaire of 10 questions (due Week 4) FA
    Part ii. 1000 word written report (due Week 9) SA
    Part iii. Group discussion of report recommendations (due Week 10 or 11) SA
    Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4
    Weight: 60%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
    Due date: Weeks 4, 9, 10 & 11
    

    Assessment name: Final Examination
    Description: Case Study Essay
    A two-hour final exam case study analysis. This analysis will be structured as a 900 word case study essay as presented in the unit. In week 10 the exam questions will be presented. A reference list will need to be prepared following all guidelines. This reference page must be signed by the tutor and taken to the exam. This essay will demonstrate students' abilities to identify and apply key concepts as introduced in the unit.
    Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3.
    Weight: 40%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: 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

    1. QCD220 Blackboard site
       
       
    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