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

Online studies: reading, exercises, assignments; individual and team work.

Timing and attendance

No scheduled classes. Online meetings in small groups .

Learning material and recommended literature

Materials provided by the teacher, on Moodle

Learning environment

Moodle

Student time use and work load

Exercises and assignments every two weeks

Contents

After the course, students should be able to identify the characteristics of academic writing; demonstrate their proficiency in applying academic writing conventions, both generic and discipline-specific, to their writing; demonstrate their ability to critical thinking and analysis; demonstrate ability in collaborative situations; and produce a six-page academic paper in pairs or in groups of three on a topic of their choice. The papers are presented and discussed in small-group seminar meetings (analysis, critique, support and ideas).

Contents
-general principles of academic writing
- purpose and audience
-referencing and citing;
-attitude, strength and outline
- writing as a process
- structure of academic writing: IMRaD, CARS model of introductions
- academic writing style and grammar
- organization, coherence and cohesion
- data commentary
- practice: writing and presenting an academic paper

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course is for students with high level of proficiency and will be conducted at CEF level of C1. Therefore students should have at least a B2 level in English. In order to self-assess your level of English, please look for the CEFR Self Assessment Grid on the Internet.

Students who have taken the courses FV11A8900 Academic Writing in English 1, FV11A9900 Academic Writing in English 2 or older versions of the same course are not eligible for this course. Similarly, students who have a taken any course in academic or scientific writing in English are not eligible for this course. Consult the teacher.

Assessment criteria

Completed online assignments, preparing a paper and presenting it in a seminar session, acting as opponent.

Assessment scale

Approved/Failed

Failed (0)

Student does not complete the course assignments. Student's language skills are not adequate. The message is not delivered. The text lacks logic.

Assessment criteria: assessment scale failed/approved

The student has a good command of the English language and can produce an academic paper. Written communication is quite fluent, clear and mostly correct. The structures and professional vocabulary are adequate to deliver the message. The text has a reasonably logical structure. Transitions are mostly smooth. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style. The topic is handled in the usual way, meeting the task requirements. The student manages citations and references logically, observing the essential general principles and the paper guidelines taught in the course. The student can produce a report with a structure and layout that are according to the guidelines, but a few minor flaws may occur.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has satisfactory English language skills and can produce a paper. Written communication consists of simple expressions and there are plentiful mistakes. The language is clumsy, but the message is delivered. Transitions are not smooth. Much of the text lacks logic, and is not in keeping with the stylistic conventions of the genre. The topic is handled briefly and one-sidedly. The text does not meet all the task requirements. The student manages citations and references observing the main principles and the guidelines given in the course guidelines, but not always consistently. The student can produce a report with a structure and layout that are mostly according to the paper guidelines taught in the course.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has a good command of the English language and can produce an academic paper. Written communication is quite fluent, clear and mostly correct. The structures and professional vocabulary are adequate to deliver the message. The text has a reasonably logical structure. Transitions are mostly smooth. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style. The topic is handled in the usual way, meeting the task requirements. The student manages citations and references logically, observing the essential general principles and the paper guidelines taught in the course. The student can produce a report with a structure and layout that are according to the guidelines, but a few minor flaws may occur.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has an excellent command of the English language and masters the practices of writing academic papers. Written communication is very fluent and versatile. The student uses varied structures and extensive professional vocabulary, making occasional mistakes only in the most complex structures. The text has a very clear and logical structure. Sentences are linked by transitions and the text flows smoothly. The student can deliver the message effortlessly in the appropriate, genre-specific style. The handling of the topic is diverse and skillful, meeting all the task requirements. The student manages citations and references skillfully, observing both the general principles and the guidelines taught in the course. The student can produce a report with a structure and layout that are fully according to the guidelines.