Critical Inquiry

Subject Overview

This subject is designed to prepare students, many of whom are from diverse cultural backgrounds, to be successful in their postgraduate studies. The subject strengthens existing academic abilities and literacies, usually gained through undergraduate study, and introduces contemporary topics to help students develop critical thinking, research and communication skills. The subject includes an introduction to contemplative inquiry, which underpins the postgraduate curriculum.

The subject will support students in their first session of postgraduate study; facilitate an understanding of the nature and structure of their degrees; provide resources and peer support to enhance academic and digital literacies needed for success in their degree.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding of critical reading skills through analysis of scholarly material at a postgraduate level.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of critical thinking, review, consolidation and synthesis of knowledge at postgraduate level. 
3. Demonstrate capacity for higher level scholarly expression and communication through transfer of complex knowledge and ideas to relevant audiences.
4. Be able to navigate the Institute’s support systems, learning structures and digital learning resources.
5. Provide evidence of high-level research and inquiry-based learning abilities that demonstrate academic integrity.

Assessments

• Assessment 1: Four-part task comprising a combination of short answer questions, short explanation and evaluation of videos, reviews and annotations on critical reading and study (50%)
• Assessment 2: Report/Essay (50%)