MCH1025 : Critical Skills
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Professor Darren Kelsey
- Co-Module Leader: Dr Majid Khosravinik, Dr Nick Rush-Cooper
- Lecturer: Mr Ryan Woodward, Ms Sarah Cullen
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module trains students in the principles and methods of the study of media, communication and culture. It introduces them to key terms and concepts and covers the critical skills that students will need for all academic work in this area. The module aims to build students' confidence in approaching academic work in a rigorous and systematic way and to demystify key elements of academic practice (e.g. citation, academic writing, learning from feedback).
Outline Of Syllabus
The module is divided into two phases:
1. The principles of scholarly integrity, with teaching materials designed to equip students to work in the study of media and culture at university level. Topics include critical thinking, finding sources, academic writing, critical engagement with published scholarship, and citation.
2. Key concepts and introductory methods suited for the analysis of phenomena in media, communication and culture, with teaching materials designed to equip students to identify patterns, politics and ideologies in these phenomena.
Weekly lectures explore relevant terms, concepts, skills and ideas, and provide material for analysis. In seminars, students will delve further into those ideas and skills, and practice applying them.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | End-of-module assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Mid-module assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 11 | 4:00 | 44:00 | Weekly required reading and/or viewing |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 2:00 | 12:00 | Seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 63:00 | 63:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module is delivered in the first semester of stage 1 to provide students with an intensive grounding in knowledge and skills that will be fundamental across the rest of their degree programme. Lectures provide students with details and rationales of the critical skills they will need while at university. In seminars students will develop their understanding of, and skills in applying, these skills. The module is support by members of the Academic Skills Team and the library team.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 50 | Guided Critical Report on a Failed Essay 1,000-word critical report |
| Report | 1 | A | 50 | Scholarly Practice and Student Citizenship 2,000 words Q&A report |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Assessment 1: Guided Critical Report on a Failed Essay
Students are required to produce a critical (1000-word) report evaluating a 2,000-word mock student essay that failed due to poor scholarly practice. The mock essay will be provided during the module. Your task is to identify, explain, and correct the flaws in the original essay, demonstrating your understanding of academic standards and the expectations for university-level work. Full marking guidance is provided in the module guide.
Assessment 2: Scholarly Practice and Student Citizenship
This is a structured report that invites you to explore your development as a student and scholar throughout the module. Your answers should be personal, honest, and thoughtful, supported with specific examples from your scholarly work and student experience. Full marking guidance is provided in the module guide.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCH1025's Timetable