| CODE | CRI0102 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Research Methods and Academic Skills | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Criminology | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit encompasses a comprehensive exploration of essential academic skills and professional competencies vital for students' success: Firstly, students delve into various methods of searching both library and internet resources, acquiring strategies to efficiently locate relevant information. They become adept at navigating appropriate ICT tools and university library resources to access scholarly materials. The study-unit provides students with a curated selection of relevant study materials, including textbooks and scholarly publications aligned with their academic pursuits. Moving on to academic literacy, students develop critical reading, thinking, and writing skills, learning to analyze and evaluate academic texts effectively. They also master the art of answering questions concisely and accurately. Furthermore, students enhance their listening and note-taking skills, crucial for capturing essential information during lectures and discussions. They also grasp the importance of accurate referencing to avoid academic misconduct, such as plagiarism. In the realm of academic writing, students refine their abilities in academic and professional writing, ensuring their work adheres to academic conventions. They also learn the significance of effective reading and researching relevant literature to support their arguments. Moreover, students are equipped with the skills for critiquing literature and developing critical analysis and argument, fostering their ability to construct compelling academic arguments. Another focus area is communication and presentation skills, where students learn to articulate their ideas coherently and deliver engaging presentations to diverse audiences. They understand the key elements of effective presentations, including context, audience, message, and resources. In terms of learning approaches, students explore various learning styles to identify their preferences and optimize their study strategies. They also cultivate critical thinking and reflective practice to evaluate their learning experiences critically. Personal and academic growth is emphasized through lessons on personal responsibility, effective independent learning, and working collaboratively in teams. Students learn to manage their time effectively, set goals, and collaborate with peers to achieve shared objectives. Overall, this study-unit provides a holistic foundation in academic skills and professional competencies essential for students' academic success and future endeavors. Through theoretical learning and practical application, students are empowered to excel in their academic pursuits and beyond. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit aims to introduce police recruits to: - Research methods by informing about methods of searching library and internet resources, appropriate ICT and relevant university library resources and relevant study materials; - Academic skills by facilitating critical reading, thinking and writing skills, academic and professional writing and academic misconduct; - Communication, presentation skills and teamwork; - Different Learning styles, self-directed learning and reflective practice. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate skills in the use of resources and primary/secondary literary sources relevant to the degree programme; - Demonstrate a structured approach to studying, writing essays and referencing content; - Review and assess literature in order to develop critical arguments and draw conclusions; - Apply key concepts in relation to models of learning and reflective practice; - Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and working with others, in a study skills context; - Apply the skills to deliver effective presentations. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply skills in the use of resources and primary/secondary literary sources relevant to the degree programme; - Adopt a structured approach to studying, writing essays and referencing content; - Review and assess literature in order to develop critical arguments and draw conclusions; - Apply key concepts in relation to models of learning and reflective practice; - Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and working with others, in a study skills context; - Apply the skills to deliver effective presentations. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Grieve, J., Harfield, C., & MacVean, A. (2007). Tips on Interpreting Essay and Exam Questions. In Policing (p. Policing, 2007). London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Supplementary Readings: - Brandt, Caroline. (2009). Read, research and write academic skills for ESL students in higher education. London: SAGE. - Chapagain, D. P. (2022). Communication and Presentation Skills. In Students' Quality Circles (p. Students' Quality Circles, 2022). Singapore: Springer. - Eason, A. (2023). A Police Officer鈥檚 Guide to Academic Research (1st ed.) Cham: Springer International Publishing: Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan. - Wallwork, A. (2022). Giving an Academic Presentation in English: Intermediate Level (1st ed., Vol. Intermediate level). Cham: Springer International Publishing AG. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Qualifications: 4 Ordinary level qualifications (including Maltese and English) OR Extended Diploma in Foundation Studies for Security, Enforcement and Protection Law. | ||||||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Gianmarco Alberti (Co-ord.) Jean Theuma |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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