What is academic literacy?
The short answer
Academic literacy is a composite of the generic, transferrable skills that
are required of and developed by academic study and research.
The longer answer
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Knowledge of how academic discourse is structured and presented
- knowledge of how arguments are developed and presented within a given field of study
- knowledge of how to incorporate ideas taken from reading, listening and debating
- awareness of what is considered good academic style in both writing and speaking
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Knowledge of how academic discourse is produced
- understanding the recursive nature of academic assignment preparation
- understanding the effort required in the elaboration of thought and argument in a typical academic assignment
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Communication
- the ability to express ideas cogently, concisely and persuasively in writing and speaking
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Creative and critical thinking
- relating to all four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking and sometimes described as a 'habit of mind'
- a desire to seek connections between ideas while maintaining a rigorous approach to the analysis of arguments and ideas
- striving to test the status of ideas and arguments e.g. as fact, hypothesis, opinion or belief
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Independent learning
- recognising the need to take responsibility for study and learning goals
- understanding how to achieve study aims
- knowing when and how to obtain assistance to achieve academic goals
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Respect for the work and effort of others
- awareness of the great importance placed in academia on acknowledging authorship and maintaining academic integrity in relation to use of sources
- understanding why it is important within academic study and research to acknowledge the work and thinking of of others
Training and support
Workshops
The Student Support Office runs a series of 'Strategies for Study' workshops throughout the academic year, in collaboration with
Freshers' Week.
These cover:
- an introduction to University study skills guidance and
resources;
- independent study skills;
- planning and managing your time effectively;
- note-taking for critical thinking;
- plagiarism prevention; and
- keeping track of what works for you: reviewing, revising and
enjoying your study