CAD Course Descriptions

SSK 1201 – Skills for Learning and Research
3 hours per week / 2 credits

Description
Skills for Learning and Research (SSK1201) is a foundation course in academic skills development. It introduces the study skills required by students to succeed in a merit-based educational system. It presents concepts of critical thinking that students will need throughout their university careers and beyond. It engenders a holistic understanding of the nature of learning, assessment and reasoning that students can apply to their entire course of studies. Students will be asked to read and respond to academic articles, write both extensively and intensively, give academic seminars, and improve their note-taking and vocabulary. Students will be trained to take responsibility for their own learning, and will develop the ability to use academic resources effectively.

Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students should (be able to):

· analyze written academic material
· evaluate their own academic skills
· use academic resources effectively
· think critically about academic and real world issues
· present an argument on an issue of importance
· manage their time
· use strategies to avoid plagiarism
· take and prepare for tests more effectively

Evaluation

Evidence that the course learning outcomes have been achieved will be provided by the following:

Teacher Assessment: 15%
Presentations: 10%
Term Paper: 35%
Quizzes: 40%
Total: 100%

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SSK 1202 – Critical Reading and Problem Solving
3 hours per week / 2 credits 
Prerequisites: SSK 1201; SSK 1203
AWT 1002 & ARD 1002 are prerequisites or co-requisites 

Description

Critical Reading and Problem Solving (SSK1202) is a continuation of SSK 1201 and focuses on those elements of critical thinking and problem solving pertinent to students at the university level: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students investigate "real-world" social, academic, educational, or business problems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should (be able to):

· think critically
· read critically
· synthesize from academic reading materials
· evaluate academic reading materials
· take notes from academic reading material
· run a seminar based on academic reading materials
· work effectively in study groups/teams/collaboratively/cooperatively
· evaluate peer and personal academic work
· analyze a problem solution topic
· apply knowledge to new contexts

Evaluation

Evidence that the course learning outcomes have been achieved will be provided by the following:

Teacher Assessment 10%
Midterm Quiz 15%
Final Quiz 15%
Project 1 25%
Project 2 35%
Total 100%


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SSK 1203 – Computer Skills for Independent Learning
3 hours per week / 2 credits

Prerequisites: None

Description
SSK 1203 provides students with the knowledge and skills to effectively use the computer systems of AUI. Students learn to operate email, word processing software, spreadsheet and web browser programs, and how to use these programs to support their learning.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should (be able to):

  • Configure and evaluate computer systems for personal use or purchase.
  • Navigate the local area network.
  • Participate in academic discussions online.
  • Obtain class materials from the LAN or the WWW.
  • Find and evaluate credible and appropriate sources for academic papers and reports.
  • Format research papers use the APA guidelines.
  • Use spreadsheets to perform simple functions such as summing and averaging.
  • Create accurate and presentable charts, charts, graphs and tables for use in academic work.
  • Create simple, visual presentations using presentation software and basic design principles.

Evaluation

Evidence that the course learning outcomes have been achieved will be provided by the following:

Teacher Evaluation (based on Attendance and Participation, see below) – 10%
Quizzes – 30%
Module Projects – 50%
Portfolio - 10%

If you think you know enough about computers already, you can take our online computer skills test which will tell you if you have any chance at all to TEST OUT of this course. If you score more than 70% on the online test you should come to the CAD office before the end of the first week of class  You will be asked to take an exemption test in secure conditions to see if you can obtain the credits for SSK1203 without taking the course.  There is a charge for this exemption test, so please make sure that you have a very good chance of passing, or else you will be wasting your money.
Click here to take the online test.


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SSK 1204- Applied Independent Learning Methods
3 hours per week / 2 credits 
Prerequisites: SSK 1201 and SSK 1203
AWT 1002 & ARD 1002 are prerequisites or co-requisites
Students are strongly advised to take SSK 1204 BEFORE Eng 1302

Description

This course will help students develop study habits that do not depend exclusively on the teacher as a source of information. Students will be expected to produce project work based on information sources determined by themselves, in their own fields of interest, rather than dictated by the professor. The course will capitalize on the skills learned in SSK1201: Skills for Research and Learning as well as other previous CADS courses. Evaluation will be based on project assignments submitted during the course.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course, students should (be able to):

· Identify a topic worthy of academic research.
· Find, evaluate, and make notes from a variety of academic sources.
· Produce a written academic synthesis paper following APA guidelines for format and citation.
· Plan and carry out effective teamwork, both cooperatively and collaboratively.
· Analyze data critically and make meaningful generalizations.
· Present their conclusions to a group using suitable data and presentation techniques.

Evaluation

Evidence that the course learning outcomes have been achieved will be provided by the following:
· Project components.
· Final projects.
· Outcomes based evaluation measures.
· Continuous outcomes based evaluation procedures.

SSK 1205 – Interpersonal Skills and Social Interaction
(3 hours per week / 2 credits)
Prerequisite or co-requisite: ALS 1002
 

Description
This course is designed to introduce the basics of human communication (principles of social interaction, perception, listening, self, culture, verbal and nonverbal messages, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution) and the use of effective communication skills in university life (in both academic and nonacademic contexts). Interactive exercises will be utilized to help students master both the theory and the practice of interpersonal communication skills. Exercises will include interpersonal communication skills self-tests, interactive dyad and group discussions, and critical thinking written assignments. The course will continuously emphasize the importance of cultural influences and variations in communication.  

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course, students should (be able to):

  • Be adept at appropriately using communication skills areas including feedback, verbal and nonverbal messages, paraphrasing and summarizing, and open and closed questions
  • Be aware of the importance of empathetic understanding in communication and be able to develop this type of understanding of the "other" within themselves
  • Be able to communicate empathetically
  • Analyze the stages in the process of listening and their interrelationships
  • Use appropriate listening strategies according to context
  • Be able to define and analyze situations of interpersonal conflict in their lives
  • Be able to brainstorm, evaluate, and implement appropriate conflict management strategies
Evaluation

Evidence that the course learning outcomes have been achieved will be provided by the following:

20% Continuous outcomes based evaluation of classroom activities
20% Teacher evaluation of participation and attendance
45% Four unit quizzes
15% Final Examination


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