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 course requires good time management and ability to work independently with fellow students. Fully online studies: reading and exercises to do on Moodle, quizzes, assignments to hand in according to the course schedule (deadlines); individual and teamwork. Students produce a six-page academic paper in pairs or in groups of three on a topic of their choice. The writing process involves giving peer feedback (analysis, critique, support, and ideas).

Timing and attendance

No scheduled classes. Students are required to meet the submission deadlines for assignments. All the course materials are available right from the start, which allows faster progression on the course. If so agreed, online meetings will be arranged, scheduled as needed, in small groups to follow up student teams' writing processes.

Learning material and recommended literature

Learning materials are provided by the teacher, on Moodle. Supplementary reading:
Bailey, S. 2017. Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students. Routledge. (<- 5th or an earlier edition)

Exam retakes

Students who fail the course will need to complete the course requirements within one year (12 months) from the end of the course period. Consult the course teacher.

Learning environment

Moodle and, if so agreed, small group meetings via Teams or Zoom. Email for communication between the students and the teacher.

Student time use and work load

Student workload is equivalent to 3 credits (80 hours). Assignments to hand in every two weeks, approximately, during the course period (14 weeks).

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, the CARS model of introductions
- academic writing style and grammar
- organization, flow and coherence
- data commentary
- practice

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

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

Students who have successfully completed courses in academic or scientific writing in English are not recommended to take this course. Consult the teacher.

Assessment criteria

Successfully completed online assignments and quizzes, preparing a paper and providing peer feedback.

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 can produce an academic paper with a structure and layout according to the guidelines, but a few minor flaws may occur. Written communication is logical, quite fluent, clear, and mostly correct. The structures and professional vocabulary are adequate to deliver the message. Minor inconsistencies may 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.

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.