Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course aims to help doctoral students in art and design to develop their academic writing skills for the purpose of writing their thesis and other similar academic works.
Coursework focuses on enabling participants to write more effectively for an international readership.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to
- Better recognize the features of effective academic writing for their own field
- Analyze sample texts to identify the language conventions and style particular to their own field of study
- Apply cohesive elements at the sentence and paragraph level to increase the flow of the text
- Utilize word choice appropriate to formal academic English
- Apply appropriate strategies for proofreading their own work
Credits: 3
Schedule: 01.03.2021 - 12.04.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Susan Gamache, Diane Pilkinton-Pihko
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Diane Pilkinton-Pihko
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
C1 or higher
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
As part of this course, students must bring samples of their scientific writing-in-progress as this material forms a core part of the course.
During the course, students work to improve their writing as they apply skills and techniques introduced in the course. The course content will include aspects of writing, such as
- Internal organization of a text, including sequencing information, paragraph structure and sentence structures
- Appropriateness to the reader (i.e. the target audience), including text structure, sentence and paragraph length, and vocabulary choice
- Clarity of the message (information organization, referencing, and cohesiveness)
- Writing effective sentences, paragraphs as well as abstracts, introductions, and conclusions
- Argumentation and researcher positioning/stance
- Editing for accuracyThe coursework will enable participants to write more effectively and with greater confidence for an international readership.
In response to student needs, the course design includes individual and pair exercises, analysis, and critiques, all of which focus on training participants with specific tools for producing improved text.
Simultaneously, students will be guided in recognizing stylistic and organizational features common to formal written English and applying features appropriate in their specific fields.
As part of feedback, students submit their written text(s) for teacher and peer review.
Working Life Skills:
Skills in a foreign language, Written communication, Information retrieval, Ethical consciousness, Critical thinking, Lifelong learning, Self-confidence, Analytical skills, Time-management, Self-awareness, and Knowledge of research in own field.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Continuous assessment, completion of writing assignments and completion of course assignments
Note: Regular attendance and active participation required
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Small-group instruction 24-36 h + Independent study 42-57 h
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Available in MyCourses
Substitutes for Courses
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
LCA-1030
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course is intended for doctoral students who have started writing their research articles and/or thesis.
Therefore, participants must bring samples of their ongoing writing as this will be a part of the material used in the course.
- Opettaja: Pilkinton-Pihko Diane