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
- Apply cohesive elements at the sentence and paragraph level to increase the flow of the text
- Utilise word choice appropriate to formal academic English
- Apply appropriate strategies for proofreading their own work
Credits: 3
Schedule: 21.10.2024 - 27.11.2024
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Pia Lappalainen
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 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 higher quality 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 20%
- Peer feedback 20%
- Written assignments 60%
Note: Active participation and regular attendance 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:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring IV
2025-2026 Spring IVRegistration:
Registration for the course takes place in sisu. The course will be organized if there are at least 10 participants