Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: C2

The aim of the course is to assist doctoral students and researchers with the writing and preparation of a paper for publication in a journal or at a conference. On successful completion of the course, students will have an improved understanding of the language of the genre of academic writing – structure, style, unity, cohesion etc.; the skills to approach the writing of academic articles effectively; and will have submitted and published a paper in a journal or at a conference.

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course consists of the following elements:
• Seminar/class meetings at which various aspects of the publishing and writing process are discussed. (Approx. 1 meeting/week for one semester, i.e. 12-13 meetings.)
• Individual consultations during the writing process to deal with any problems that emerge (e.g. language issues, interpretation of reviewers' comments, and assistance with preparation of accompanying letters).
• Thorough language editing of the paper produced as part of the course. In addition to producing a paper ready for submission, the editing has a learning function, i.e. comments valuable for future article writing will also be given. (Please note that language editing of other papers is not included and should be done via the university's normal proofreading and editing services.)

Timing and attendance

There are two groups per academic year: one group in the autumn semester and one group in the spring semester.

Learning material and recommended literature

Material is provided by the teacher.

Useful reading:

Gillet, A., Hammond, A., Martala, M., Inside Track to Successful Academic Writing, Pearson Longman, Harlow, UK, 2009.
Murray, R., Writing for Academic Journals, Open University Press, Maidenhead, UK, 2004.
Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., Tight, M., How to Research (4th ed), Open University Press, Maidenhead, UK, 2010.
Phillips, E. M., Pugh, D., How to Get a PhD: A handbook for students and their supervisors (4th ed), OUP Press, Maidenhead, UK, 2005.

Learning environment

Moodle and other so-called learning environments are not used.

Student time use and work load

Group meetings: one meeting per week for one semester plus individual work writing and editing the article for publication.

Contents

The aim of the course is to assist doctoral students and researchers with the writing and preparation of a paper for publication in a journal or at a conference. On successful completion of the course, students will have an improved understanding of the language of the genre of academic writing – structure, style, unity, cohesion etc.; the skills to approach the writing of academic articles effectively; and will have submitted and published a paper in a journal or at a conference.

The course will address issues such as the publishing process, approaches to writing, structure and language, common problems for non-native speakers of English, and drafting, revision and review.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

For students to benefit from the course, their research should have progressed sufficiently that they are in a position to start writing an article. For this reason, students are advised to consult with their supervisor before enrolling on the course.

The course is primarily addressed to students and researchers in the fields of technology and engineering.

Assessment criteria

Credits for the course will be granted once the paper discussed with the teacher in the second part of the course has been submitted to a JUFO-rated journal or conference and accepted for publication.

Please note: Mere publication of an article is insufficient to pass the course; students need to complete other activities related to the course.

In some instances, credits can be granted prior to publication - these cases will be handled in co-operation with the student's supervisor.

Assessment scale

Approved/Failed