Academic Communication Skills for Humanities, Social Sciences and Business

Module description

This core Foundation module will teach you how to understand the language used in a range of academic disciplines, and how to express yourself orally and in writing, which are essential skills for university study.

Designed for students with a high level of English, this Academic Communication Skills for Humanities, Social Sciences and Business module will help you to become more aware of the conventions of academic writing and improve your ability to communicate in a variety of written and spoken modes..

In particular, you’ll learn how to:

• identify the key points in academic articles;
• take effective notes on academic lectures;
• produce essays and reports;
• use a range of discussion language to take part in discussions on a range of topics.

As the name of this module suggests, there is a specific focus on communication and critical thinking. By the end of the programme, you will be able to put forward logical, evidence-based arguments and evaluate those of others, engage confidently with your tutors and peers, and thereby excel in your undergraduate studies.

Assessment details

You’ll be assessed for this Academic Communication Skills module through coursework (50%) and an exam (50%).

Educational aims & objectives

This Academic Communication Skills module will:

• increase awareness of the nature of critical thinking and develop your ability to apply such thinking in an academic context.
• develop your ability to write clearly and fluently for a variety of academic contexts in the Humanities and select Social Sciences.
• help you learn to communicate appropriately and effectively in a variety of academic contexts, including seminars, presentations and tutorials.
• further your ability to learn creatively, independently, responsibly and reflectively.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this Academic Communication Skills module, you will be able to:

• apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and utilise arguments, data, concepts and theories from academic sources to build and support a well-constructed line of argument
• produce written and oral work that adheres to the disciplinary conventions in a range of academic fields in the humanities and social sciences, acknowledging differences between them
• find and select academically appropriate sources on a range of topics
• demonstrate a high level of proficiency over a range of academic lexis and grammar

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.