COLWRIT 143L
University Success, Research, and Communication
This course helps students understand U.S. university expectations, explore opportunities, and build the skills they need to succeed. Through hands-on research, reflection, and critical exploration of generative AI, students investigate questions that matter to them, conduct a small-scale research project, and share what they discover. Along the way, they strengthen their academic communication skills and create a portfolio of written work, including a statement of purpose for future academic opportunities.
Topics
- Explain key expectations, communication practices, resources, and opportunities in U.S. university contexts. Formulate a feasible research question and select an appropriate small-scale survey, interview, or mixed-method approach. Draft clear, neutral survey items and semi-structured interview questions; pilot and revise an instrument. Practice ethical fieldwork by seeking voluntary informed consent, minimizing data collection, protecting privacy, and respecting campus communities. Organize quantitative/qualitative data, identify patterns, create accurate displays, and distinguish evidence from interpretation. Write a data commentary that locates visuals, summarizes patterns, supports claims with evidence, and explains limitations. Evaluate AI outputs and information sources for accuracy, evidence, bias, privacy, authorship, and fit for purpose. Use generative AI, when permitted, with human judgment, verification, attribution, and process disclosure. Communicate research insights effectively in discussion, prose, public speaking, and visual storytelling.
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027