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Katherine Olston, Luke Alexander, Lydia Dutcher, and Jessica Blackburn

This Specialization is aimed at preparing students for undergraduate study in an English-speaking university. The course equips you for full participation and engagement with your studies by building awareness and understanding of the core values and expectations of academic culture, and providing you with practical strategies to apply to your studies.

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This Specialization is aimed at preparing students for undergraduate study in an English-speaking university. The course equips you for full participation and engagement with your studies by building awareness and understanding of the core values and expectations of academic culture, and providing you with practical strategies to apply to your studies.

In the Capstone Project, you will apply the academic knowledge and skills you have learnt throughout courses 1-4 to research, write and present a project proposal that addresses a complex, real-world problem related to your field of interest and/or future study. After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Apply a range of idea generation techniques

2. Apply research strategies to search, collect, select, process, and cite information

3. Use the research process to develop and critically analyse ideas

4. Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and analyse ideas and evidence

5. Use problem-solving skills to identify gaps in knowledge and define issues

6. Develop creative and innovative solutions to real-world problems

7. Use appropriate academic genres for written texts and multi-media presentations

8. Use written and oral skills to communicate ideas effectively for academic contexts

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the course & How to identify a real world problem
In this module, you will be introduced to the course and then begin your project proposal. You will do this firstly by choosing a community that means something to you and identifying a real world problem within that community you would like to solve. This will help you to create a project that means something to you and that you can be passionate about. Then you will brainstorm the causes and effects of that problem before finally writing out a problem statement!
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Researching the Current State
This module relates to Stage 2 of your Capstone project. Use the resources here to help you search for information, collate and then use the information in order to assess and describe the current state of your issue.
Solving the problem: Defining the Desired State
This module relates to Stages 3 of your Capstone project. Use the resources here to help you generate ideas and then combine them with research for the desired state.
Stages 4 and 5: Generate and refine actions
In this module, you will brainstorm possible actions you could do in order to bridge the gap between the current state of your issue, identified in Stage 2, and your desired states. You will also need to evaluate and refine those actions.
Write the project proposal
This module relates to Stages 6 and 7 of your Capstone project. Use the resources here to help you summarise your project, create SMART goals, a detailed action plan and a list of all the participants and resources your project will require. You will also find resources on polishing and refining your proposal for submission.
Plan, write, and produce the video presentation
This module relates to Stage 8 of your Capstone project. Use the resources here to help you plan, develop and produce your video! Good luck!
RESOURCES
This module is for the resources from the other courses you have studied. There is no new, or extra, material here. You do not have to watch any of this material.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides opportunities to practice real-world problem solving
Emphasizes critical thinking skills for evaluating evidence and ideas
Prepares students for the academic culture and expectations of an English-speaking university
Builds a foundation for effective written and oral communication in academic contexts
Requires completion of prerequisite courses, which may limit accessibility for some students
Taught by instructors with extensive experience and expertise in the field

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone with these activities:
Review past coursework
Reviewing past coursework in creative writing will help you refresh your knowledge of the fundamentals and prepare you for the rigors of this course.
Browse courses on Creative Writing
Show steps
  • Gather your old coursework
  • Review your notes and assignments
  • Take some practice quizzes
Watch tutorials on academic writing
Watching tutorials on academic writing will help you learn the essential skills you need to succeed in this course, such as how to structure an essay, conduct research, and cite sources.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on academic writing
  • Watch a few tutorials and take notes
  • Practice the techniques you learn in the tutorials
Complete practice exercises
Completing practice exercises will help you improve your understanding of the course material and prepare for exams.
Show steps
  • Find practice exercises in your textbook or online
  • Complete the exercises and check your answers
  • Review the exercises and identify areas where you need more practice
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White
Reading "The Elements of Style" will help you improve your writing style and learn the fundamentals of grammar and usage.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
  • Read the book carefully and take notes
  • Apply the principles you learn to your own writing
Join a study group
Joining a study group will provide you with the opportunity to collaborate with other students and learn from each other.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or start your own
  • Meet with your study group regularly
  • Discuss the course material and work on assignments together
Write a blog post about academic writing
Writing a blog post about academic writing will help you synthesize your knowledge of the subject and improve your writing skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your blog post
  • Research your topic and gather information
  • Write your blog post
  • Publish your blog post and promote it on social media
Create a portfolio of your writing
Creating a portfolio of your writing will help you showcase your skills and track your progress over time.
Show steps
  • Collect samples of your best writing
  • Create a digital or physical portfolio
  • Share your portfolio with others and get feedback
Attend a writing conference
Attending a writing conference will expose you to new ideas and help you connect with other writers.
Show steps
  • Find a writing conference that interests you
  • Register for the conference and attend the sessions
  • Network with other writers and speakers

Career center

Learners who complete Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Educational Consultant
An Educational Consultant provides guidance and support to students, parents, and educators on a variety of educational issues. They work with students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop academic plans, and choose appropriate educational programs. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as research, problem-solving, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as an Educational Consultant.
College Professor
A College Professor teaches classes at a higher education institution, providing instruction and guidance to students. They research and publish papers, books, and other scholarly works, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their field. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a College Professor.
Academic Librarian
An Academic Librarian provides research and instructional support to students and faculty at colleges and universities. They work with students to develop research strategies, locate resources, and evaluate information. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as research, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as an Academic Librarian.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs and develops educational programs and materials for use in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to create curricula that meet the needs of students and align with educational standards. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as research, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Curriculum Developer.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates and develops educational materials, such as courses, lessons, and assessments. They work with subject matter experts to translate complex information into engaging and effective learning experiences. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as an Instructional Designer.
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches, develops, and evaluates public policies. They work with government agencies, think tanks, and other organizations to provide evidence-based recommendations on a variety of policy issues. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as research, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Policy Analyst.
Research Analyst
A Research Analyst conducts research and analyzes data to provide insights and recommendations to businesses and organizations. They use a variety of research methods to collect and analyze data, and they present their findings in written and oral reports. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as research, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Research Analyst.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant advises businesses and organizations on how to improve their operations and achieve their goals. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Management Consultant.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst works with businesses and organizations to identify and solve business problems. They analyze business processes, data, and systems to make recommendations for improvement. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Business Analyst.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst conducts research on consumer behavior and trends to provide insights to businesses and organizations. They use a variety of research methods to collect and analyze data, and they present their findings in written and oral reports. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as research, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Market Research Analyst.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to provide insights to businesses and organizations. They use a variety of statistical and programming tools to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as research, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Data Analyst.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Software Engineer.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator designs, implements, and maintains databases. They work with a variety of database technologies to create and manage databases that meet the needs of users. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Database Administrator.
Information Technology Manager
An Information Technology Manager plans, implements, and manages information technology systems and services for businesses and organizations. They work with a variety of technologies to ensure that systems are reliable, secure, and meet the needs of users. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as an Information Technology Manager.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs and develops websites and web applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create websites that are user-friendly and meet the needs of users. The skills developed in the Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone course, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, are essential for success in this role. By gaining a strong foundation in these skills, students can build a foundation for a successful career as a Web Developer.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone.
This style manual is the standard reference for academic writing in the humanities. It provides detailed guidance on all aspects of academic writing, from grammar and punctuation to citation style.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of academic writing. It covers all the major genres of academic writing, from essays to dissertations. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the conventions of academic writing.
This style manual is the standard reference for academic writing in the United States. It provides detailed guidance on all aspects of academic writing, from grammar and punctuation to citation style.
This style manual is the standard reference for academic writing in the social sciences. It provides detailed guidance on all aspects of academic writing, from grammar and punctuation to citation style.
This classic book provides clear and concise advice on how to write well. It covers all the basics of grammar, punctuation, and style. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills at any level.
Classic guide to writing well. It offers practical advice on how to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills for any purpose.
Provides a framework for writing stories that are both engaging and meaningful. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the structure of stories and how to create characters that readers will care about.
Collection of essays on writing by some of the most influential writers in the field. It covers a wide range of topics, from the writing process to the role of writing in society. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the art and craft of writing.
Collection of essays on writing and life. It is full of practical advice and inspiration for writers of all levels. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the writing process and how to overcome writer's block.
Provides a comprehensive overview of academic writing, including tips on how to structure your writing, avoid plagiarism, and cite sources correctly. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their academic writing skills.
Provides a step-by-step guide to developing your creativity. It offers exercises and techniques that can help you generate new ideas, solve problems, and improve your writing skills.

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