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 an online course with deadlines and scheduled Zoom meetings (peer feedback seminars) around mid to late November.

Compulsory coursework includes online quizzes, other activities, and a learning project: writing a short academic paper. To complete the paper, students work in pairs or small teams, brainstorm and decide on a paper topic, draft a paper outline, write a 5- to 7-page academic paper on the topic, and provide peer feedback on another team's paper. After writing the first draft, students upload it to a plagiarism detection tool (Turnitin) on the course page and submit the draft to their peers for feedback. The instructor organizes online Zoom meetings for peer feedback seminar sessions. After receiving peer feedback, students edit their draft and submit the final version of their paper for instructor feedback.

The course is primarily for LUT students, but LAB students are also welcome to join and will be accepted if there are free seats.

Timing and attendance

A mostly self-paced online course with deadlines and with some Zoom meetings for peer feedback sessions in mid- to late November.

Learning material and recommended literature

All required readings and other materials are 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, which equals 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 (IMRD).
-The CARS model for writing introductory sections.
-Generating a paper outline and a preliminary list of references with AI tools.
-Academic writing style and grammar, the use of reporting verbs.
-Organisation, coherence and cohesion.
-Giving peer feedback.
-Learning project: writing a short academic paper.

-Recommended pre-course reading: Bailey, S. 2015. Academic writing: a handbook for international students. An e-book version is available via 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
-The course is mainly for LUT students, but LAB students are also welcome to enrol and will be accepted if there are free seats.

Assessment criteria

-Complete all required tasks and assignments.
-Write a 5 to 7-page academic paper (in pairs or a team of three to four students) where students demonstrate their skills in producing academic language. The paper must meet the criteria for grade 3 (see below). Note: Plagiarism results in failing the course.

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 logical structure. Minor mistakes or inconsistencies may occur concerning the genre and/or style. The format, including citations and referencing, meets the task requirements well, although some inconsistencies may occur.