Academic Writing from edX

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.

What you'll learn

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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Ideal for school leavers, the course bridges the skills gap to enter a tertiary setting

Helps students in higher education return by giving them the foundational writing skills they need

Provides practical study skills and effective study habits

Supports students in how to practically use AI technology in an ethical way

Helps students build confidence when commencing academic study

May require students to purchase a computer to complete coursework, which can be a financial burden

Reviews summary

Mastering academic writing and ai integration

According to learners, this course is a largely positive resource for anyone looking to develop their academic writing skills. Many commend its clear and logical structure, making complex concepts easy to grasp, especially for those new to tertiary education or needing a refresher. The timely AI module is frequently highlighted as a significant strength, providing practical ethical guidance for contemporary academic work. While most found the lectures and assignments highly beneficial for building a solid foundation, some more experienced writers noted it might be too basic. Overall, students appreciate its practical approach and its ability to build confidence and competence in academic contexts.

Offers a strong foundation for those new or returning to academia.

"As someone returning to study after years, this course was the perfect refresher for academic style."

"It perfectly bridged the gap between high school and university writing expectations for me."

"If you're starting out or need to brush up, this course gives a solid fundamental understanding."

Addresses AI's role in academic writing, offering ethical guidance.

"The inclusion of the AI module was incredibly timely and relevant, a much-needed addition."

"I learned how to appropriately and ethically use AI tools in my academic work, which is crucial today."

"The AI section stands out; it's a practical guide on navigating modern academic integrity."

Provides a logical and easy-to-follow guide for academic writing.

"The course structure is incredibly clear and logical, making it easy for me to follow complex topics."

"I really appreciate how the modules break down academic writing into manageable, understandable parts."

"It offered a very clear and concise overview of academic writing basics that I found super helpful."

Some found the pace slow or desired deeper dives into certain topics.

"I sometimes felt the pace was a little slow, especially in the earlier modules."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex referencing or argumentation styles."

"The course provides a broad overview, but I wished for deeper dives into specific academic genres."

May lack depth for learners with prior extensive academic writing experience.

"While well-structured, I found much of the content to be a bit too basic given my prior writing experience."

"For someone already comfortable with academic conventions, this course might feel like a slow review."

"I was hoping for more advanced techniques, but it's clearly geared towards foundational understanding."

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:

Review academic writing structure and conventions

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Review the basics of academic writing to refresh your knowledge of structure and conventions, making it easier to apply them in this course.

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Review the course syllabus and identify the writing assignments.
Read academic articles and textbooks to analyze their structure and style.
Summarize the key elements of academic writing, such as thesis statements, topic sentences, and supporting evidence.

Review Academic Writing Techniques

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Sharpen your writing skills before the course to ensure your work meets academic standards.

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Review common writing formats (MLA, APA, Chicago)
Practice organizing and structuring your ideas logically
Identify and correct common grammar and syntax errors

Read "The Elements of Style" by Strunk & White

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This classic guide to writing provides timeless principles and practical advice to improve your writing clarity and effectiveness.

View The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly
Identify key principles and techniques
Apply the lessons learned to your writing

Seven other activities

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Attend Writing Workshops

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Participate in workshops to enhance your writing skills under the guidance of experienced writers and educators.

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Identify workshops that align with your writing goals
Register and attend the workshops
Actively participate and engage with the instructors and peers

Join a Writing Study Group

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Engage with peers to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and support each other's writing development.

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Find or create a writing study group
Meet regularly to discuss writing topics
Provide and receive feedback on each other's work

Practice writing different types of academic texts

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Engage in writing exercises to strengthen your skills in crafting various academic texts, enhancing your ability to produce effective writing in this course.

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Write a summary of a research article.
Draft a literature review on a specific topic.
Compose an essay that analyzes a work of literature.

Complete Writing Exercises

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Apply writing techniques and strategies through regular and consistent practice to refine your skills.

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Complete daily writing prompts or exercises
Write essays on assigned topics
Set aside dedicated time for writing practice
Review and improve your writing based on feedback

Write a Critical Essay

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Demonstrate your understanding of academic writing by analyzing a text and presenting a well-articulated argument.

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Choose a topic and research
Develop a clear thesis statement
Organize your ideas logically
Write the essay using proper citation and formatting

Contribute to an Open-Source Writing Project

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Apply your writing skills in a collaborative environment and engage with a community of writers working on real-world projects.

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Identify an open-source writing project that aligns with your interests
Join the writing team and contribute to the project
Collaborate with other writers and editors

Volunteer as a Writing Tutor

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Develop your writing skills while helping others by sharing your knowledge and expertise as a writing tutor.

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Identify opportunities to volunteer as a writing tutor
Sign up and complete necessary training
Provide guidance and feedback to students or other learners

Career center

Learners who complete Academic Writing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Academic Librarian

Academic Librarians partner with faculty and students to maximize their research and teaching impact. They conduct workshops and provide one-on-one consultations to help students develop the research skills they need for their coursework and dissertations. This course would be particularly helpful for Academic Librarians because it provides foundational tools for understanding academic writing, including the differences between academic genres and diverse writing contexts. It also covers methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts, as well as how to clearly communicate to distinct target audiences.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop new theories in a variety of fields. They often publish their findings in academic journals and present them at conferences. This course would be helpful for Research Scientists because it provides essential foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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College Professor

College Professors teach undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of subjects. They develop and deliver lectures, lead discussions, and grade assignments. They also conduct research and publish their findings in academic journals. This course would be useful for College Professors because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, white papers, and other documents that explain complex technical information to a variety of audiences. This course would be helpful for Technical Writers because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They write articles for magazines, newspapers, and websites. This course would be helpful for Science Writers because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for research projects, programs, and organizations. This course would be helpful for Grant Writers because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Editor

Editors review, edit, and proofread written content for a variety of purposes, including academic journals, books, and websites. This course would be helpful for Editors because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Journalist

Journalists write articles, stories, and other content for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course would be helpful for Journalists because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Copywriter

Copywriters create written content for a variety of purposes, including advertising, marketing, and public relations. This course would be helpful for Copywriters because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Content Writer

Content Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including websites, blogs, and social media. This course would be helpful for Content Writers because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course may be helpful for Marketing Managers because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers create and maintain positive relationships with the public on behalf of organizations. This course may be helpful for Public Relations Managers because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Communications Manager

Communications Managers develop and implement communications strategies for organizations. This course may be helpful for Communications Managers because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers develop and implement social media strategies for organizations. This course may be helpful for Social Media Managers because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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Digital Marketing Manager

Digital Marketing Managers develop and implement digital marketing campaigns for organizations. This course may be helpful for Digital Marketing Managers because it provides foundational tools for success in academia, including understanding the expectations of academic writing and how to apply methods for structuring and logically arranging pieces of writing in academic contexts.

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