https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_AABAKACACVAt the end of this course, students are expected to: 1. be able to find relevant scholarly information in a systematic manner on a topic of study of their choice, by searching in catalogues and search engines, like the catalogue of the university library, e-resources, online catalogues and visual databases; 2. know the importance of careful accounting for sources and can make a bibliography according to the conventions applied/used by MKDA; 3. be trained in knowing and recognizing a number of characteristics of images which are used as arguments; 4. be trained in evaluating websites and publications as to their academic level and usability; 5. have the competence to write a brief essay about their own research, the resulting text having a clear structure and argumentative line so as to be comprehensible for its readers.An academic education is not just a matter of acquiring new knowledge and insights. It is also important to develop a number of skills needed for doing research in an academic setting and for communicating it both verbally and visually. In this course, students start training in doing scholarly work. They are expected to fill their own ‘toolbox’ with skills, allowing them for the remainder of their study, and afterwards, to deal in an academic manner with information. This course consists of an intensive training of different skills, in relation to a topic of their choice. The knowledge and skills students gradually acquire in this way culminate in writing a scholarly essay as a final assignment.Lecture, seminar, practical training.Assessment takes place on the basis of 6 partial assignments, which have to be completed on time. When all 6 assignments are marked with a ‘pass’, the course’s final grade is a ‘P’ (pass). In all other cases the course’s final grade is an ‘F’ (fail). The first 5 partial assignments serve as preliminary assessments and serve to improve the course’s attainability, as well as preparation for the 6th assignment. NB: For first-year students passing the language proficiency test is a precondition for passing this course. NB: For first-year students, this course should be completed with a ‘pass’ to be eligible for a positive binding study advice (BSA). Connection between learning objectives and assessment: Learning objectives 1 and 2: assignment 1 (searching and assessing publications). Learning objectives 3 and 4: assignment 2 (analysing, evaluating and processing information) and assignment 3 (text analysis). Learning objective 5: assignment 4 (text plan), assignment 5 (written presentation 1st draft) and assignment 6 (written presentation final draft).The literature will be announced in the syllabus/Canvas.1st year bachelor Media, Art, Design and Architecture, and Premaster students Arts and Culture / Heritage Studies.For this course there is an exception to the standard enrolment procedure (whereby students sign up for the course, the learning approach and the examination). For this course the seminar division in groups is made by the course coordinator, after which the signing up for seminars is handled by the Education Office. Students can sign up for the course and lectures, but not for the seminars.For attendance rules, see Teaching and Examination Regulations. Students should be aware that regular attendance is necessary to pass the course. This course is also taken by Premaster students.