To give students the skills and methods necessary to master their degree in politics and to maximise their grade potential within the Department of Politics;

To ensure students develop the skills and methods necessary to be active rather than passive learners;

To enable students to link study skills and research methods with their own academic success on the modules available in the first year and beyond;

To enable students to embed themselves into the scholarly community of a research-led institution;

To develop an appreciation of the scholarly process, including contributing towards the academic life of the Department and broader University.

(LO1) Students will develop the study and research skills necessary to perform effectively over the course of their studies.

(LO2) Students will develop academic writing, communication, and presentation skills.

(LO3) Students will develop the skills necessary to reflect on critical feedback to submitted work.

(LO4) Students will develop an awareness of academic integrity, plagiarism and how to avoid it.

(LO5) Students will develop an understanding of the scientific method and the different ways research is conducted in politics.

(S1) Enhanced study skills.

(S2) Enhanced understanding of referencing and academic integrity.

(S3) Enhanced understanding of politics as a scientific field of enquiry.

(S4) Enhanced understanding of the ingredients to good analysis and investigation.

Topics covered during the module may include:

Introduction to studying politics;

Critical thinking;

Sources;

Referencing;

Making an arguments / essay writing;

Presentations;

Exam and feedback;

The scientific method;

Political Theory and Reflective Equilibrium;

Qualitative methods;

Quantitative methods.

Teaching method: lectures.
The lecture will be an active workshop-like introduction to each skills /method topic covered.