Literacy for Understanding was a module that I undertook in my first trimester here at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in my first year.  The module is designed to introduce you to concepts, skills, and purposes of literacy.  It discusses the inter-related nature of listening, talking, reading and writing.  The module recognizes the significance for personal and linguistic development of uses of language.  It allows you to develop your understanding of oral and written language development, and reflect on, and develop, your own knowledge about language.  Additionally, the module includes an exploration of how literacy impacts on the cognitive process, as well as an investigation of contemporary literacies:  multi‑modal, second language, moving image, political and critical.