78792 - LABORATORIO DI LETTURA CRITICA

Learning outcomes

By participating in one of the social and civic skills workshops, students develop effective and constructive knowledge and skills for a healthy and fruitful coexistence. Upon completion of the workshop, students will be able to leverage social, civic, historical, and intercultural skills useful for analyzing structures, phenomena, and mechanisms operating in the socio-political and legal spheres. They will have acquired the tools and knowledge that enable active and informed participation in public life. They will also be able to critically interpret significant aspects of public and political life, at the national and/or international level, equipped with tools and concepts useful for developing reflective and participatory citizenship.

Course contents

This course aims to provide students with the skills to critically read and present the results of technical and scientific research. Students will learn how to design a PowerPoint presentation, focusing on the following aspects:
• Evaluation criteria: Is it necessary to answer a specific question, present an argument, or critically discuss a topic?
• Audience analysis: What are the audience's needs, limitations, and level of knowledge?
• Literature research: How can you go beyond the assigned readings?
• Critical reading: Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the sources available.
• Use of visuals: Graphs, diagrams, videos, etc. can (sometimes) communicate more effectively than words.
During the course, each student will design and deliver a 10-15 minute oral presentation related to their academic interests. During lectures and presentations, the instructor will provide tips for effective visual communication regarding format (text, readability, coherence) and content (density, graphics, effects), and will also address the most common pitfalls to avoid when using visual aids in presentations.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
• select and critically evaluate relevant scientific literature;
• design a scientific presentation consistent with a specific communication objective;
• effectively use visual aids;
• orally present research findings with clarity and rigor;
• critically respond to audience questions.

Readings/Bibliography

The scientific texts for oral presentations will be agreed upon between the teacher and students during the first classes of the course.

Teaching methods

The course is held in a laboratory setting. It combines lectures by the instructor and individual student presentations, followed by group discussions. Each student will have the opportunity to present their work in two distinct stages (a first draft midway through the course, and a final presentation revised and corrected based on feedback).

Assessment methods

Attendance is mandatory and therefore a prerequisite for eligibility. All participants must demonstrate their ability to design a research presentation in PowerPoint format and effectively communicate it orally.

Teaching tools

Scientific texts, PC, video projector, PowerPoint, laser pointer for presentations

Office hours

See the website of Diego Garzia