Undergraduate Course: Introduction to Studying Humanities (FNDN07031)
Course Outline
| School | Centre for Open Learning |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 7 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This multi-disciplinary course will introduce you to the ways that Humanities subjects are studied at university, and provides an opportunity to experience forms of learning, teaching and assessment that are common at undergraduate level. |
| Course description |
The course aims to help you to navigate the transition from your previous educational institution into higher education, and specifically into the University of Edinburgh. Through a focus on the Humanities, the course provides the necessary skills to succeed in the UG teaching environment, while increasing your confidence in your own approach to learning.
The course will draw from a range of humanities subjects, linked through a common theme. Each week you will be introduced to the topic which you will then explore in class discussions, visits to local places of interest, further reading and reflection. This approach allows you to examine and critically apply some of the key theories that underpin the study of humanities subjects. It also promotes a deeper understanding of both the topics and UG teaching methods by encouraging you to engage with a range of perspectives, including challenging historical biases and power dynamics which may have influenced the way topics are viewed and understood.
You will complete regular tasks reflecting on your learning experiences, helping you to establish connections between the study of humanities, your intended degree subject(s) and your own experiences. Feedback will be provided during the course to support your learning journey, helping you to evaluate your knowledge and progress.
You will actively engage in an inclusive learning environment. Classes are designed to explore and develop key academic skills, such as presenting an argument, alongside essential skills for success such as collaboration and decision-making, and you will continue to refine the skills developed throughout the year in FEALL, the capstone academic language and literacies course(s). You will build your understanding of and respect for the academic environment, classroom processes and procedure, and the opinions of your peers.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 44,
Summative Assessment Hours 7,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
145 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
100% Coursework:
Exam 50% [LO 1-3]
Learning journal (continuous assessment: 5 short tasks over 11 weeks) 50% [LO 1 - 4]
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| Feedback |
Formal feedback is provided on formative and summative assessments, following the University's Assessment and Feedback Principles and Priorities. Feedback-to-feedforward points occur throughout the course, consisting of written feedback on formative and summative assessments.
Formative verbal feedback will be given in class, and students will receive written feedback on Learning Journal entries throughout the term. In addition, they will complete a formative assessment in advance of the exam to help ensure that they are fully prepared and aware of what is expected in the final assessment.
The written feedback and guidance also enable an ongoing conversation with teachers throughout the term in both this and the FEALL course, on how to improve key academic skills in preparation for term 2 and undergraduate study. The reflective learning journal will deepen this conversation, as students will be asked to consider what they have learned (both in terms of subject knowledge and their own development). |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Communicate purposefully and appropriately, demonstrating and awareness of audience and context.
- Describe key concepts, theories, and approaches used in studying Humanities subjects.
- Evidence and present arguments, incorporating diverse perspectives that challenge dominant narratives.
- Reflect on their own learning, making use of and acting on feedback, while critically examining their own biases and assumptions.
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Reading List
| Students will need a laptop or tablet to access course materials and online elements of the course.¿¿ |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course supports the development of Skills for Success. Through their engagement, students will have the opportunity to develop:
Critical Thinking by developing independent thought through questioning norms, practices and opinions; seeking relevant and appropriate evidence and understanding biases; determining the significance of what is being expressed; seeing wider themes and patterns in information.
Curiosity by continuously exploring and learning from challenging experiences; asking searching questions and adopting different perspectives; harnessing opportunities and taking initiative.
Problem Solving by synthesising information and translating it into knowledge within different contexts
Collaboration by understanding and respecting the needs, perspectives and actions of others; [being] able to connect with and learn from others and build positive relationships.
Reflection by reviewing [learning] during and after activities; considering choices, decisions and their outcomes; recognising own strengths and emotions; [demonstrating] an awareness of personal values and integrity; setting and achieving goals.
Communication by active listening; public speaking; the ability to convey effective meaning [¿] which create[s] shared understanding.
Inclusivity by being open to different views and perspectives; harnessing the benefit of difference and diversity; seeking to create inclusive and welcoming environments; communicating across languages and cultures.
Adaptivity by managing own time and wellbeing; coping with uncertainty and ambiguity; applying personal drive, motivation and determination.
Data and Digital Literacy by understanding, interpreting and questioning evidence derived from data and its sources; using digital tools appropriate to contexts.
Individuality by nurturing skills and talents [students have] arrived with; identifying and strengthening those skills which have personal, discipline and professional significance; creating and implementing plans for future growth. |
| Keywords | Foundation Skills,Academic Skills,Criticality,Reflection,Reading,Writing,Listening,Speaking |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Liz MacDougall
Tel:
Email: emacdou3@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr James Cooper
Tel: (0131 6)50 4400
Email: jcooper6@ed.ac.uk |
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