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

The course is taught completely online. The students will study the material independently and complete various smaller assignments. The teacher will monitor the students' progress through the Moodle forums and potentially in Skype/Zoom discussions if the need arises.

Early on, the students will form pairs or groups of three, decide on a topic on which to write and start producing a 6-page academic paper on their topic.

The course emphasizes viewing writing as a process and students will complete their paper in three drafts, the second of which will be reviewed and commented on by their peers.

Turnitin will be used to verfiy academic integrity, plagiarism may result in failing the course.

Timing and attendance

Autumn term of 2024. Online course, no attendance requirements or scheduled lessons. One or two non-compulsory online workshops may be arranged, depending on students' requests.

Learning material and recommended literature

All of the material is accessible through Moodle.

Learning environment

Online on Moodle

Student time use and work load

The course is 3 credits, which translates to 81 hours of work. The course assumes regular correspondence and cooperation between the students who write the course paper together.

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 for introducing a topic
Academic writing style and grammar
Organization, coherence and cohesion
Data commentary
Giving constructive feedback
Practice (writing an academic paper)

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

There are no prerequisites. The course is taught at the level of B2

Assessment criteria

The students are expected to:

Complete all of the tasks and assignments required.
Write a 6-page academic paper (with a partner or group) where they demonstrate their skills in producing academic language.
The course paper should meet the criteria for a passed grade, see below.

The course as a whole is graded on a scale of pass/fail.

Please note: Plagiarism may result in an automatic fail.

Assessment scale

Approved/Failed

Failed (0)

The writer's language skills are not adequate; there are severe shortcomings in both grammar and style; The structure is inconsistent and confusing; The message is not delivered; The text lacks logic; The writer does not complete the assignment.
Please note that plagiarism may result in an automatic fail.

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.