Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2-C1

Students are able
-to identify the characteristics of academic writing
-to demonstrate their proficiency in applying academic writing conventions
-to demonstrate their ability in critical thinking and analysis
-to demonstrate ability in collaborative situations
-to produce a 6-page academic paper in pairs or in groups of three.

Implementation and methods of teaching

This is a self-paced online course with deadlines. Students study the course materials independently and complete coursework. The instructor monitors the students' progress on the course Moodle page.

The required coursework includes online quizzes and other activities and a learning project, writing a short academic paper. To complete the learning project, the students work in pairs or groups of three, decide on a topic, and produce a 6-page academic paper on their topic. After having produced their first draft, the students upload the draft to a plagiarism check tool (e.g., Turnitin) and submit the draft to a Moodle discussion forum to give and receive peer feedback. After having received feedback, the students edit their draft and produce the final version of their paper.

Timing and attendance

A self-paced online course with deadlines. No compulsory meetings.

Learning material and recommended literature

All readings and other materials available on the course Moodle page.

Alternative completion methods

No alternative completion options.

Learning environment

Online on Moodle.

Student time use and work load

The course is 3 credits, or approximately 80 hours of work. This consists of studying the course materials and doing coursework.

Contents

General principles of academic writing (purpose and audience; referencing mechanics; outlining; writing as a process).
Structure of academic papers (IMRaD) and the CARS model for writing introductory sections.
Academic writing style and grammar, the use of reporting verbs.
Organization, coherence and cohesion.
Data commentary.
Learning project: writing a short academic paper.

Recommended pre-course reading: Bailey, S. 2015. Academic writing: a handbook for international students. An ebook version available through LUT/LAB Primo.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Good English skills but no formal prerequisites. The course is taught at the B2/C1 level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages. See: https://bit.ly/CEFR-grid

Assessment criteria

Students:

-Complete all required tasks and assignments.
-Write a 6-page academic paper (with a pair or in group of three) where they demonstrate their skills in producing academic language. The paper must meet the criteria for grade 3 (see below). Note: Plagiarism results in a fail grade.
-Take a possible midterm exam on the course page focusing on key course topics.

Assessment scale

Approved/Failed

Failed (0)

The writer's language skills are not adequate. The message is not delivered. The text lacks logic. The writer does not complete the assignment.
Plagiarism will result in an automatic fail.

Assessment criteria: assessment scale failed/approved

Written communication is sufficiently fluent, correct and varied to deliver the message effortlessly. The text has a reasonably logical structure. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style. The format, including citations and referencing, meets the task requirements, but not always consistently.