Course (certified) on Tech Diplomacy

The main objective of this course is to make students aware of the importance of effective communication skills in academic or professional settings, with a strong focus on contemporary issues related to computer engineering, and to help them develop those skills to communicate effectively in both settings. The course will be organized around science and technology related topics, and 2 assignments (written Research Proposal -RP- and Oral Presentation -OP) that they will have to complete to pass the course. It is expected that students are able to: 1. identify and describe major economic, environmental and health problems for which a computer engineering solution could have a major impact on society 2. identify different types of texts in their area of knowledge, as well as the register and tone typically used in scientific and technical texts 3. read and summarise relevant materials about contemporary issues for which computer engineering may play a role, be it orally or in writing 4. write coherent and cohesive texts that have a clear focus on contemporary issues, structuring, paragraphing, punctuation, etc., and that are correct from a grammatical and spelling viewpoint 5. use correctly references and citations from relevant materials about contemporary issues for which computer engineering may play a role 6. deliver a writen report about an original research idea (RP) that addresses contemporary issues relevant for computer engineering 7. develop listening comprehension skills in their area of knowledge 8. use and explain figures and diagrams in a proper manner (OP) 9. deliver a technical and scientific presentation about an original research idea that addresses contemporary issues relevant for computer engineering (OP) As for the teaching methodology, we will follow a student-centered approach to learning in which the lecturer’s role is to motivate students and facilitate their learning and overall comprehension of concepts and tasks. Student learning is assessed through both formal and informal forms of evaluation, including group projects, student and class participation. Teaching and assessment are connected, and student learning is continuously measured during teacher instruction. Regarding teaching strategies, direct instruction will be combined with inquiry-based learning and event cooperative learning at some stages. Inquiry-based learning will be the predominant teaching method. This method focuses on student investigation and hand-on learning. Students will learn by doing as much as possible, both in the case of writing assignments as well as when delivering oral presentations. Students will also learn from constructive feedback on their work and on the work of others, and will also get feedback from their peers.