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

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to

- Produce clear and structured language for an academic text
- Apply discourse conventions common to academic writing in English
- Revise aspects of their writing to improve readability
- Apply strategies for editing texts, based on feedback

Credits: 3

Schedule: 28.02.2022 - 11.04.2022

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Signe-Anita Lindgren

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

Aalto University Language Centre
Dr. Signe-Anita Lindgrén

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period): C1

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Successful participation requires that you have a research topic, have begun your research, and have already produced at least 2 3 pages (1200 1500 words) of thesis text by the beginning of the course.

    This course covers academic writing as part of the investigative research-based reading and writing process for the scholarly field of art. It carries students through a writing process for creating a clear, well-structured text.

    During the course, students work to improve their academic texts as they apply writing skills and techniques introduced in the course, such as structuring a text (for increasing readability), integrating citations and applying appropriate citing conventions, applying linguistic methods of argumentation, and reviewing sentence form and function as well as other writing mechanics (as needed).

    The course also introduces some online tools that help with writing in English. In addition, students collaborate on writing where giving and receiving peer feedback is an essential component.

    Working Life Skills:

    Knowledge of research in own field, Skills in a foreign language, Written communication, Information retrieval skills, Working independently, Critical thinking skills, Practical application of theories, Team working skills, Lifelong learning skills, Self-confidence, Analytical skills, Time management, and Self-awareness. Prerequisites: Students are expected to submit 2 3 pages (1200 1500 words) of (draft) thesis text prior to the start of the course (not the thesis proposal but part of a chapter of the thesis).

  • applies in this implementation

    Provided at the beginning of the course in MyCourses.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    - Assignments and quizzes 30%
    - Active participation in peer reviews 20%
    - Active participation in final feedback sessions 10%
    - Final paper 40%
    - Regular attendance (=80%) 4/5 workshops

  • applies in this implementation

    Successful completion of all weekly assignments according to instructions.
    Assignments meet required minimum standard of proficiency and are submitted by the deadlines.

    See MyC, esp. Workflow sheet and assessment form for final paper.
    Week 1 and 6, mandatory attendance.

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    81 h (Small-group instruction 16 to 36 h + guided independent work 45 to 65 h)

  • applies in this implementation

    3 ECT-course = 81 hrs. 6-week period:
    Reserve approx. 13.5 hrs/week in your schedule.

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Provided by the teacher and the students

  • applies in this implementation

    Provided in MyCourses unless otherwise advised.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Recommended time, 3 6 months before submitting the thesis

    Please note that the course will only be organised if a minimum of 10 people register for it.

    Teaching Period:

    2020-2021 Autumn I,Autumn II,Spring III,Spring IV,Spring V

    2021-2022 Autumn I,Autumn II,Spring III,Spring IV,Spring V

    Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=LCA-1022

    Registration for Courses: Sisu replaces Oodi on 9 August, 2021. Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-in-aalto-arts

    WebOodi and questionnaire in WebOodi.

    Students are considered for admission in order of highest number of credits, expected date of submitting their thesis for evaluation, and whether the course is part of their Master s thesis seminar.

  • applies in this implementation

    This course consists of two parts, Part I (first 3 weeks of the course; workshops 1–3) and Part II (weeks 4-6 of a course; workshops 4–5 and teacher-peer feedback sessions week 6).
    The course can be completed in the same period (recommended). Students may complete Part II in a later period (not applicable in period V). The course must be completed within one and the same academic year (= in this case in period V).
    NB! Places are limited, Part I 20 students, Part II 21 students.
    Register in SISU only once (= for Part I). Register to Part II by contacting the teacher no later than at the very beginning of the period you wish to take it.

    The homebase for the course is MyCourses and the weekly zoom Workshops.

Details on the schedule
  • applies in this implementation

    Period 4, spring 2022: Obligatory online Workshops in zoom (Mon 15.15- ). Weekly deadlines for assignments.

    First Workshop Monday 28 February 2022.