In Semester 1, 2009 the Faculty of Arts will launch a new postgraduate unit of study designed specifically to support international students. ARTS7000 Academic Communication for Postgraduates is an elective unit with full credit available to all postgraduates across the Faculty of Arts. It is a unit of study which can count for credit in all Masters, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate programs The Faculty of Arts recognises that many students have particular academic and cultural needs and may experience unexpected difficulties, with language and cultural learning practices. This unit is designed to help students make the adjustment.

This unit of study will be taught in Semester 1, Semester 2 and Winter School 2009. It will also be repeated in Summer School in 2010. Students are advised to take this elective unit of study as early as possible in their program of study.

 

ARTS7000 provides assistance in developing skills in:

• critical analysis
• referencing source material
• writing for different disciplines
• advanced proficiency in spoken and written communication
• other skills that will assist in achieving best results in students’ chosen areas of study.

Because academic and cultural issues are closely related, ARTS7000 takes the backgrounds of students into consideration. For instance there are cultural differences between:

• argumentation styles
• the use of convention and fact
• forms of summary, paraphrasing and quotation.

The program will also develop confidence in both oral and written presentations. This involves not only workshopping ideas in tutorials, but also:

• one-on-one tutoring
• conversation practice
• presenting seminars and public speaking.

 

ARTS7000 will assist students in gaining the full benefit of seminars and lectures to support attainment. The unit will also enhance their experience of living and studying in Australia.

For more information on this unit see UOS info.