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Michael Lazarou

The course focuses on enhancing academic writing understanding and skills, providing essential foundational tools for success. For school leavers, it bridges the gap between prior education and tertiary requirements, while for professionals returning to higher education, it ensures effective communication of ideas in an academic setting.

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The course focuses on enhancing academic writing understanding and skills, providing essential foundational tools for success. For school leavers, it bridges the gap between prior education and tertiary requirements, while for professionals returning to higher education, it ensures effective communication of ideas in an academic setting.

The course incorporates material to address AI technology's increasing influence on academic writing. This AI module stands as an independent section, allowing review and updates without disrupting the coherence of the entire course.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Clo1: explain the expectations of academic writing, including the differences between academic genres and diverse writing contexts.
  • Clo2: apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts, as well as how to clearly communicate to distinct target audiences.
  • Clo3: implement strategies and practices around effective writing and research skills, with an emphasis on source integration and analysis.
  • Clo4: summarise the role of artificial intelligence in contemporary tertiary educational settings, including how to appropriately use it in an ethical manner.
  • Clo5: develop confidence and competence in practical study skills and effective study habits, developing a foundation for commencing academic study with confidence.

Syllabus

Module 1
• Analyse assignment directives
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the features and conventions of a range of genres of academic writing.
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• Identify different audience types based on assessment or task descriptors.
• Quiz questions.
Module 2
• Construct persuasive arguments in academic writing.
• Adapt arguments to specific academic contexts.
• Apply critical thinking skills to construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas effectively.
• Use logical reasoning to enhance clarity and persuasiveness in written work.
Module 3
• Identify practical study skills and study strategies, including time management, note-taking, and critical reading.
• Critically evaluate and effectively integrate academic sources into your writing.
• Interpret and use sources to enhance academic writing and argument construction.
Module 4
• Assess the potential utility and technical implications of generative AI technologies in the context of academic writing.
• Apply strategies and tools for reviewing, editing, and refining writing in academic contexts.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Appropriate as a bridge between secondary and post-secondary education
Suitable for re-entering professional students
Provides an independent module on ethics and responsible use of AI
Meets tertiary-level expectations and audience needs
Integrates study, research, and writing skills for academic success
Incorporates emerging AI technology, enhancing writing skills

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Academic Writing with these activities:
Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
This will help you stay organized and make it easier to find the information you need when you are studying or writing papers.
Show steps
  • Gather all of your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams in one place.
  • Sort the materials by course and topic.
  • Create a system for filing the materials so that you can easily find them later.
Read a book on academic writing, such as 'The Craft of Research' by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of academic writing, from developing a research question to writing a final draft.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
  • Read the book carefully, taking notes as you go.
  • Complete the exercises and assignments in the book.
  • Apply the principles you learn from the book to your own academic writing.
Find a mentor who can provide guidance on academic writing
A mentor can provide you with support and advice on your academic writing journey.
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  • Identify someone who is experienced in academic writing and who is willing to mentor you.
  • Contact the person and ask them if they would be willing to mentor you.
  • Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your writing and get feedback.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Practice identifying and analyzing academic writing genres
Practice will help you become more adept at analyzing the structure and features of different types of academic writing, which is essential for understanding and producing effective academic texts.
Show steps
  • Review the different types of academic writing genres, such as essays, research papers, and literature reviews.
  • Find examples of each genre and analyze their structure, purpose, and language use.
  • Complete exercises that require you to identify and analyze the genre of academic texts.
Watch video tutorials on how to use specific academic writing software, such as Microsoft Word or LaTeX
These tutorials will help you master the technical aspects of academic writing, such as formatting, referencing, and grammar checking.
Show steps
  • Identify the specific software you need to use for your academic writing.
  • Search for video tutorials on how to use the software.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key features and functions of the software.
  • Practice using the software by completing exercises or creating your own documents.
Join a study group or writing group
This will give you the opportunity to get feedback on your writing and learn from other students.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or writing group that is relevant to your interests.
  • Join the group and participate in the meetings.
  • Share your work with the group and get feedback.
  • Help other students with their work.
Attend a conference or workshop on academic writing
This will give you the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and network with other students and professionals.
Show steps
  • Find a conference or workshop on academic writing that is relevant to your interests.
  • Register for the event.
  • Attend the event and participate in the sessions.
  • Network with other students and professionals.
Write a short essay on a topic related to your field of study
Writing an essay will allow you to apply the principles of academic writing, such as structuring your argument, using evidence, and writing in a clear and concise style.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is relevant to your field of study.
  • Research the topic and gather evidence to support your argument.
  • Structure your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
  • Write your essay in a clear and concise style, using proper grammar and punctuation.
  • Get feedback on your essay from a teacher, tutor, or peer.

Career center

Learners who complete Academic Writing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Academic Writer
An Academic Writer creates articles, study guides, reports, and other written content for academic audiences. This course may be useful in providing a foundation for understanding academic writing conventions and expectations.
Grant Writer
A Grant Writer prepares and submits grant proposals to secure funding for various projects and initiatives. This course may be useful in developing skills in writing persuasive and well-structured grant proposals.
Professor
A Professor teaches and mentors students at a college or university. This course may provide a foundation for developing pedagogical skills and effectively communicating complex information to students.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates instruction manuals, documentation, and other materials that explain technical concepts. This course may be useful in providing an understanding of clear and concise writing for a technical audience.
Editor
An Editor reviews, corrects, and refines written content for various purposes. This course may help build a foundation for understanding editorial processes and best practices.
Journalist
A Journalist researches, writes, and reports on news and current events. This course may be useful in developing skills in research, analysis, and clear writing for a general audience.
Content Writer
A Content Writer creates written content for websites, social media, and other digital platforms. This course may help build a foundation for understanding content writing principles and audience engagement.
Researcher
A Researcher conducts studies and experiments to gather and analyze data. This course may be useful in developing skills in writing research reports and presenting research findings.
Technical Communicator
A Technical Communicator creates and delivers technical information to various audiences. This course may provide a foundation for understanding technical communication principles and effectively conveying complex technical concepts.
User Experience Writer
A User Experience Writer creates written content for websites, apps, and other digital products to enhance user experience. This course may be useful in developing skills in writing clear and concise user-centered content.
Speechwriter
A Speechwriter creates speeches and presentations for public figures and organizations. This course may be useful in developing skills in writing persuasive and engaging speeches.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates and develops educational materials and learning experiences. This course may provide a foundation for understanding instructional design principles and effective writing for educational purposes.
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and develops public policies. This course may provide a foundation for understanding policy writing conventions and effectively communicating policy recommendations.
Copywriter
A Copywriter creates written content for advertising and marketing campaigns. This course may provide a foundation for understanding copywriting techniques and effective messaging.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs and develops educational programs and curricula. This course may be useful in providing a foundation for understanding curriculum development principles and writing effective educational materials.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Academic Writing.
Provides comprehensive guidance on the conventions and practices of academic writing at the graduate level. It is particularly relevant for students who are new to academic writing or who need a refresher on the fundamentals.
Provides comprehensive guidance on academic writing for graduate students. It is particularly relevant for students who are new to academic writing or who need a refresher on the fundamentals.
Provides practical advice on how to effectively integrate sources into your academic writing. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their research and writing skills.
A classic guide to clear and concise writing, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. It is particularly useful for students who are struggling with the basics of grammar and punctuation.
Explores the potential and challenges of using AI in education. It must-read for students who want to learn more about the role of AI in contemporary higher education.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the research process. It valuable resource for students who are conducting research for their academic writing.
Provides practical advice on how to write a successful thesis. It valuable resource for students who are in the early stages of their research.
This style guide is the standard for academic writing in the United States. It is an essential reference for students who want to ensure that their writing meets the highest standards of academic excellence.
This style guide is the standard for academic writing in the humanities. It is an essential reference for students who want to ensure that their writing meets the highest standards of academic excellence.
Provides practical advice on how to use sources in your academic writing. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their research and writing skills.
This dictionary is the definitive guide to the English language. It is an essential reference for students who want to improve their vocabulary and writing skills.
This online thesaurus valuable resource for students who want to expand their vocabulary and improve their writing skills.

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