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 course instructor monitors the students' progress on the course Moodle page.

The compulsory coursework includes online quizzes and other activities, as well as a learning project: writing a short academic paper. To complete the learning project, students work in pairs or groups of three, brainstorm and decide on a paper topic, draft a paper outline, and write a 5- to 7-page academic paper on the topic. After having written their first draft, the students upload the draft to a plagiarism detector tool (Turnitin) on the course page, as well as submit the draft to a Moodle discussion forum to give and receive peer feedback. After receiving peer feedback, the students edit their first draft and write the final version of the paper.

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

Timing and attendance

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

Learning material and recommended literature

All 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 (IMRaD) and the CARS model for writing introductory sections.
-Generating a paper outline and a preliminary list of references with AI.
-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 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 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 (with a pair or in a team of three to four students) 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 failing course grade.

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.