MODULE OVERVIEW

Course title

Critical Skills, an introduction to university learning, a credited course for first year students at Maynooth University.

Module overview

At third level it is expected that students will develop skills that will not only enable them to successfully negotiate their university experience but which will also help them in other areas of their lives. These skills include analytical skills, the ability to deal with complex arguments, the ability to evaluate evidence and make balanced judgements and the ability to communicate ideas. These critical skills are developed throughout university learning and in practice.

Module Aims

This critical skills course aims to develop these skills early in the university learning experience which will in turn complement and support disciplinary learning. It is designed to help first year students to learn, experience, practice and develop various essential skills that will support their leaning. These skills include:

• Academic writing
• Analysis and use of data
• Analytical thinking
• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Developing learning skills
• Information processing
• Interpersonal skills