COM120 Reasoning, Values and Communication (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Communication (COMUN)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject focuses on skills and knowledge relevant to the composition of an academic essay. It has four elements. The first introduces the fundamentals of argument and critical thinking. The second develops skills in writing and grammar. The third introduces generic study skills, such as academic referencing, the use of library databases, how to avoid plagiarism, and how to determine reputable sources. The forth presents students with a particular ethical topic, upon which they will focus their academic papers.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Canberra |
| Internal | United Theological College |
| Internal | Wagga Wagga |
| Distance | Wagga Wagga | Session 2 |
| Internal | Bathurst |
| Distance | Wagga Wagga |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: COM120
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Not for students who have completed either GEN101 or GEN102 .
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the ethical topic presented, and the surrounding debates
- be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the main forms of argument
- be able to apply this knowledge to analyse arguments, and construct clear and cogent arguments of their own
- be able to demonstrate development in reading and writing skills, with respect to sentences, paragraphs, and essays
- be able to demonstrate development in research skills, with respect to using the universities library database
- be able to demonstrate development in the ability to write a well constructed academic essay
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Writing skills at the level of the sentence, the paragraph and the essay
- Skills of summarising
- Rhetorical analysis
- Critical reasoning including deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning and analysis of logical fallacies
- Analysis and critique of some key ethical values underpinning a particular topic
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.