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Certificate in Research and Culture

This unique  programme leads to an accredited Certificate in 'Research and Communication' that is worth 30 CATS at Undergraduate level. It is designed to enable students to acquire the skills required to undertake university-level research successfully while at the same time gaining knowledge in specific subject areas of their choice. 

There are a number of ways you can complete the Certificate depending on your background and interests.  Students with a particular interest in science will choose to include CH956, students wishing to emphasie arts and social sciences will choose other modules from the list below, and students wishing to enhance their English proficiency will include ET984.

 

This Summer Certificate will take place from 11th July - 2nd September 2011 (8 weeks).

Progression through the programme:

There are a number of Paths a student may choose to take to obtain the Certificate in Research and Communication by selection from the following options to make a total of 30 CATS:

  • ET984: Scientific English language skills (10 CATS): designed for students wishing to enhance their English Language skills. This module is delivered by Centre for Applied Linguistics from 11th July for 4–5 weeks.
  • CH956: Research Skills 1 (20 CATS): designed to enable the student to explore an area of science or humanities research of their choice guided by a mentor who is undertaking research in that area. This module can run at any time and takes approximately 4 weeks.

CH956 and ET984 will run in 2011 for any number of students. The remaining modules will require a minimum of 10 students.

  • Shakespeare and the Company He Keeps (10 CATS):  This course is about a Warwickshire man  -  Shakespeare.  Students will study his early life in Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwickshire, his theatre in London: the plays, the space and the audience and we will consider the evolution of the company that ensures his enduring legacy – the Royal Shakespeare Company - including a visit to a play in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.  The course will combine lectures and tutor-led informal discussions with afternoons in Kenilworth and Stratford.  If you’re interested in Shakespeare or have always wanted to understand what all the fuss is about then you will be most welcome. This module is delivered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning from 12.30pm on 11 July to 1.30pm on 15 July 2011 in Coventry House, Central Campus.  One week will then be required for completion of written work.
  • Portrait Drawing and Painting (10 CATS):  Students will acquire the fundamental principles of drawing and will include an afternoon in the Old Masters Gallery at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry.  Capture character in portraiture! Working from live models this course (designed for all levels of experience) focuses on learning to draw the human head.  You will be guided in developing the particular style most suited to you; and also in trying the painting technique of the 'old masters'.  The aim is to give you the skills and knowledge needed to execute recognisable portraits with confidence - a vital step on the way to capturing the whole human figure.  Easels and boards will be provided  -  students should bring along paper and a small/medium sized canvas as well as drawing and painting materials.  This module is delivered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning from 10.30am on 11 July to 3.30pm on 15 July 2011 in Coventry House, Central Campus.  One week will then be required for completion of work.
  • Pre-Raphaelite Art and Design (10 CATS):  The aims of this course are to study, and above all, experience the paintings, design and architecture of the Pre-Raphaelite and Arts and Crafts Movement through slide lectures, gallery, museum and architectural visits, where informal group discussion and questioning can take place. The course will examine not just the aesthetic aspects of the movement, but also the context of the social, economic, religious and political climate of the time.  The course will include two day trips  -  one to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and Wightwick Manor (Wolverhampton), and the other to Oxford, visiting Christ Church, Exeter College, Keble College, the Ashmolean Museum and University Museum.  It will consist of three days preparatory lectures in the University and two days visiting the collections.  Transport will be provided and where necessary students will be given access to paintings in store.  This module is delivered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning from 9.30am on 25 July to 4.00pm (time of leaving Oxford) on 29 July 2011 in Coventry House, Central Campus.  One week will then be required for completion of written work.
  • Creative Writing in your own words (10 CATS):  For enthusiastic beginners or experienced writings  -  leave the rest of your life behind for an intense week of Creative Writing. Whether you are an experienced writer or an enthusiastic beginner, this is the course for you. You will be exploring autobiography, fiction and poetry with experienced tutors:  Connie Ramsay Bott is a published short story writer and poet and Cathy Whittaker, Warwick Poet Laureate, 2008/9, has also been published in anthologies and magazines.  Through writing exercises and discussion, you’ll discover your hidden potential in one short week.   Celia Rees, the Children's author will be attending one session to discuss her writing career and the publishing industry, from a writer's point of view.  This module is delivered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning from 9.30am on 25 July to 1.30pm on 29 July 2011 in The CAPITAL Centre, Millburn House, The University of Warwick.  One week will then be required for completion of written work.
  • Drawing and Painting (10 CATS):  This course is an opportunity for students (both beginners and experienced artists) to develop new skills and build on existing skills and is open to beginners and experienced artists. During the course you will study proportions of drawing and practice techniques relating to colour mixing and painting. You will use these techniques to study animals, birds and still life. There will also be time to experiment with line, tone and colour. We will be working with drawing and shading techniques in black and white work and also in colour. There will be demonstrations by the tutor and individual tuition with opportunities for students to discuss the progress of their work with the tutor and others. Come and try something new in a relaxed and friendly setting.  This module is delivered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning from 9.30am on 25 July to 4.00pm on 29 July 2011 in Coventry House, Central Campus.  One week will then be required for completion of work.
  • Exploring English Country Houses (10 CATS):  This five day course aims to introduce students to large and medium sized country houses of the Tudor and early Stuart period and to explore the architecture and the social use of these buildings.  Students will be encouraged to consider the changes in styles and social practices, looking at contemporary evidence such as probate inventories.  This course will be spent partly in class and partly in visits to a range of buildings, from the prodigies built by Elizabethan courtiers to the manors of the gentry.  This module is delivered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning from 10.00am on 1 August to 1.00pm on 5 August 2011 in Coventry House, Central Campus.  One week will then be required for completion of written work.
  • Warwickshire Landscapes (10 CATS):  This summer school will introduce the Warwickshire county with its diverse landscapes geology and scenery. 'Hands on' sessions with local rocks, minerals, fossils and geological maps will set the scene on the first day.  Field trips walking around the University Campus to central, south and north Warwickshire will relate the underlying rocks to the landscape.  Two field trips to central, southern and northern Warwickshire and Worcestershire plus a day in Warwick and Leamington Spa.  For the campus walk and field trips:  suitable outdoor clothing and stout footwear.  This module is delivered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning from 9.30am on 1 August to 4.30pm on 5 August 2011 in Coventry House, Central Campus.  One week will then be required for completion of written work.