Syllabus

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to

- Recognise the features of effective academic writing for their own fields

- Recognise ineffective sentences and utilise techniques for re-writing them

- Analyse sample texts to identify the language conventions and style particular to their own fields of study

Credits: 3

Schedule: 01.11.2021 - 08.12.2021

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Diane Pilkinton-Pihko

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

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:

  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 organisation of a text, including sequencing of information, paragraph writing 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 organisation, referencing, and cohesiveness)
  - Writing effective sentences, paragraphs and sections (such as abstracts, introductions, and conclusions)
  - Argumentation and researcher positioning/stance
  - Editing for accuracy

  The 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 recognising stylistic and organisational 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 for whole curriculum period:

  Continuous assessment, completion of writing assignments and completion of course assignments. Note: Regular attendance and active participation required.

Workload

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Small-group instruction 24 - 36 h + independent work 45 - 57 h

DETAILS

Study Material

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Available in MyCourses

Substitutes for Courses

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Substitutes for Courses

Prerequisites

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

• valid for whole curriculum period:

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

  Teaching Period:

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

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

  Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=LC-1350

  Registration for Courses: In the academic year 2021-2022, registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) instead of WebOodi.

  WebOodi

Description