Reading and Writing East Asian Studies

Reading and writing are the foundations of critical thought. This module, Reading and Writing East Asian Studies, offers academic training for all first-year students in East Asian Languages and Cultures. Through interactive teaching and practical exercises students acquire the core study skills and strategies needed to succeed in their academic studies.The module introduces students to the core academic skills they will use while studying at university. The module is designed to lay the foundation for students to develop into experts in their particular area. This includes fundamental academic skills such as finding, assessing and using resources and evidence in their research, writing for different audiences, and practical skills like attributing and referencing others work correctly. It also includes an introduction to the differentways East Asian Studies students can research the topics that interest them, laying the foundation for the dissertation work they will carry out in the third and fourth year of their degrees.

Prerequisites

None

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

LO1. Recall and describe how to use different library resources available for East Asian Studies students.
LO2. Find, compare and critically engage with sources related to topics in East Asian Studies.
LO3. Identify and evaluate argument and the use of evidence in academic and other writing.
LO4. Construct persuasive arguments by combining critical insight and a command of relevant evidence.
LO5. Demonstrate a command of grammar and style appropriate to writing at the undergraduate level.
LO6. Provide constructive feedback on the work of colleagues, in person and in writing.
LO7. Revise academic work effectively and efficiently, on the basis of self-evaluation and critical feedback.
LO8. Participate in group discussions and collective development of analysis.
LO9. Present reasoned arguments in both oral and written form.

Workload

Total of 10 weeks teaching with 2 hours classroom contact per week, consisting of a 1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar.

Scope and syllabus

Week 1. Introductions

Week 2: Using the Library

Week 3. Reading for Comprehension

Week 4: Reading to Write

Week 5. Writing to Persuade

Week 6. Making Your Point: Argumentation

Week 7: Proving Your Point: Evidence

Week 8: The Role of the Literature Review

Week 9. Revise, revise, revise!

Week 10. Workshopping your Work: Getting and Giving Feedback

Method of assessment

• A 1,500 word Library Report (40%);
• A 2,000 word Critical Review (60%).

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules