Macquarie University

Academic Cultures and Communication - MMCS115

This unit introduces students to the academic skills required for university studies. Particular attention is given to effective communication in the academic environment. Students engage in practical tasks designed to progressively develop key skills including: how to approach research; how to find, evaluate and use library and online resources; how to acknowledge sources; how to analyse an assessment brief; how to structure and substantiate an argument; how to write in a range of academic and non-academic genres and contexts. Four areas are the main focus of the unit’s content: critical thinking, effective reading, modes of listening and academic writing. This unit is streamed to cater to all students in the Department of Media, Music, Communication and Cultural Studies, including: Media; Media, Communication and Culture; Music; International Communication; Society and Culture; Interactivity and Games; Dance and Performance; and Arts Industries and Management. The assessment tasks for this unit are based on discipline-specific content related to students’ study programs. Formative assessment throughout the unit will develop students’ academic skills.