Academic Writing Essentials: University Writing Crash Course from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Write with clarity and precision
Develop and support your own ideas persuasively
Build your own unique style, voice, and flow
Organize your ideas logically and with clear transitions

Find and incorporate sources effectively
Master the basics of sentence structure, formatting, and punctuation
Understand how to approach various common writing assignments

Write with clarity and precision
Develop and support your own ideas persuasively
Build your own unique style, voice, and flow
Organize your ideas logically and with clear transitions
Find and incorporate sources effectively
Master the basics of sentence structure, formatting, and punctuation
Understand how to approach various common writing assignments

Syllabus

The Writing Process

Introduction to Academic Writing 101

This lecture discusses the critical step of prewriting in the writing process. It also provides concrete examples of two prewriting strategies.

This lecture illustrates how to transition from prewriting to developing a solid beginning outline.

This is a brief introduction of the basic parts of any paper and how to transition from an outline to a first draft.

This lecture concludes The Writing Process with an in-depth discussion of and key strategies for the revision process.

Test your knowledge of the writing process

This lecture introduces you to the essentials of writing great academic titles.

In this lecture, we walk through the basic purposes and functions of thesis statements. I also provide you with effective thesis templates for developing your own solid thesis statements.

This lecture teaches how to effectively introduce your ideas and intellectual intervention.

This lecture provides instruction on how to write unified, coherent paragraphs that support and remain focused on your central argument.

This lecture briefly describes the main areas of transition in college writing and provides a list of categories and key terms of transition.

Here are some tips and examples of how to finish off your papers in a concise and powerful way.

Review the key instructions for organizing your ideas.

Begin to develop you personal writing style by learning how to use parallel structure.

A brief review on the four basic sentence types and how to vary between these types to develop an intricate prose style.

Tips on improving the consistency of your writing.

Learn how to distinguish, revise, and effectively shift between active and passive voice.

Here are some strategies for making your writing more concise.

This lecture walks through the different levels of diction, discusses how to select the appropriate level, and how to strengthen your vocabulary.

Learn how to incorporate quotations correctly and effectively into your writing.

Remember some of the keys to developing your own writing style

Learn the basic uses of commas and how to avoid the most common comma mistakes.

Teaches the basics of apostrophes for showing omission, possession, and plurals.

This lecture gives you all you need to begin using the colon, semicolon, hyphen, and dash correctly.

This lesson provides the essentials of punctuating properly with quotations and citations.

This lecture provides all you need to know about proper capitalization.

Test how well you have remembered the basics of punctuation

Learn how to turn your opinion editorial from an emotional rant to a well-crafted, persuasive essay.

This lecture provides critical tools and strategies to writing a successful rhetorical analysis.

This lecture teaches how to move beyond plot summary in order to develop an argumentative essay about literature.

This lecture discusses how to choose a narrow research topic, how to find sources efficiently, how to take effective notes, and how to use your research to support your own original claim.

Timed essays are some of the most important and demanding assignments you will have to write in college. Most professors, however, assume that students should already know how to write well and thus choose not to teach the essential strategies of successful timed essays. This lecture provides those necessary tips and tools.

This lecture teaches how to select and discuss meaningful personal experiences in an academic setting.

Review what is expected from different common college essay types.

Learn the essentials of resume writing.

Here are some essential tips for writing a successful graduate school admissions essay.

A brief thank you, review of course goals, and reminder of extra offers for students of this course

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Offers personalized feedback and interaction, which can be especially beneficial for students seeking individualized guidance on their writing

Covers a range of common college writing assignments, such as rhetorical analysis and argumentative essays about literature, which are frequently encountered in humanities courses

Includes instruction on pre-professional writing, such as resumes and graduate school admissions essays, which are valuable for career development

Provides a punctuation crash course, which may be helpful for students who need a refresher on grammar and mechanics

Requires active participation in a writing forum and submission of writing samples for review, which may be time-consuming for some students

Reviews summary

Academic writing essentials for university success

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive foundation and essential tools for successful academic writing at the university level. Many students particularly commend the instructor's clear and engaging teaching style and the course's well-organized structure, which breaks down the writing process into manageable steps. A frequently highlighted and uniquely positive aspect is the provision of personal coaching, including unlimited reviews of preliminary work and one-on-one sessions, which students found incredibly valuable for building confidence and understanding. While the core content covers fundamental principles, making it excellent for beginners or those needing a refresher, more advanced writers may find parts introductory. Overall, students feel much better prepared to tackle various college writing assignments after completing the course.

Generally good pace, some desire more depth.

"The pace was just right for me as a beginner."

"For someone with more experience, some parts might feel slow or basic."

"I wish some topics were covered in a bit more detail."

"The 'crash course' aspect means it hits the essentials but doesn't delve deep into niche areas."

Lectures are well-organized and easy to follow.

"The course content is structured logically, moving from process to style."

"Lectures are broken down into bite-sized, easy-to-digest segments."

"Following the syllabus felt intuitive and progressive."

"The flow of topics made learning complex ideas much easier."

Excellent base for essential writing skills.

"This course covers all the fundamental aspects needed for academic writing."

"It's perfect for students who are new to college-level writing or need a solid review."

"I learned practical strategies that I could apply immediately to my assignments."

"The focus on thesis statements, organization, and mechanics was very helpful."

Helped increase confidence in writing ability.

"I feel much more confident approaching college essays now."

"This course really helped alleviate my anxiety about academic writing."

"The practical tips and feedback gave me the confidence to improve."

"I finally feel like I understand what's expected in academic papers."

Instructor is clear, helpful, and engaging.

"The instructor is very knowledgeable and explains concepts in a clear, understandable way."

"His passion for teaching writing is evident and motivating."

"I found the instructor to be incredibly patient and supportive."

"He provides constructive feedback that is easy to implement."

Unique feedback and support deeply valuable.

"The unlimited reviews of my thesis statements and outlines were a game-changer for me."

"The one-on-one office hour with the instructor was incredibly helpful and personalized."

"Having access to personal feedback on my writing was the most valuable part."

"The coaching aspect sets this course apart from others I've tried."

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 Essentials: University Writing Crash Course with these activities:

Review Grammar Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of grammar rules to improve sentence structure and clarity in academic writing.

Browse courses on Grammar

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Review basic grammar rules.
Complete online grammar quizzes.
Identify and correct errors in sample sentences.

Read 'The Elements of Style'

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Learn the principles of clear and concise writing to improve your academic essays.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read a chapter each week.
Apply the rules to your writing.
Discuss the concepts with peers.

Practice Thesis Statement Generation

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Refine your ability to craft strong thesis statements, a crucial skill for academic writing.

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Choose a topic from a list.
Write three different thesis statements.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Skim 'They Say / I Say'

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Learn how to effectively engage with and respond to other arguments in your academic writing.

View "They Say / I Say" with Readings on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first chapter.
Practice using the templates.
Apply the concepts to your essays.

Write a Blog Post on Academic Writing

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Solidify your understanding of academic writing by explaining key concepts to others.

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Choose a specific writing topic.
Research and outline your post.
Write and edit your blog post.
Publish and share your post.

Peer Review Session

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Improve your writing by receiving and providing feedback on essays with your peers.

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Exchange essays with a classmate.
Provide constructive feedback.
Discuss the feedback received.

Start a Writing Portfolio

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Showcase your writing skills and track your progress throughout the course.

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Select your best writing samples.
Write a reflection on each piece.
Organize your portfolio logically.
Get feedback on your portfolio.

Career center

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

Proposal Writer

Proposal writers create documents that pitch services to prospective clients. They need to be clear, persuasive, and understand the clients' needs. The course emphasizes clarity, precision, and persuasive writing, skills directly applicable to crafting effective proposals. The focus on developing strong thesis statements and structuring ideas strategically will improve the persuasiveness of proposals. The course's lessons on pre-professional writing may be useful when presenting oneself well to prospective companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Proposal Writer

Grant Writer

Grant writers are responsible for preparing proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, or other organizations. The role demands the ability to persuasively articulate the needs and objectives of an organization, while adhering to specific guidelines and requirements. The course emphasizes clarity and precision in writing, skills crucial for crafting compelling grant proposals. The focus on developing persuasive arguments and structuring ideas strategically will improve the persuasiveness of grant applications. The course's attention to using sources effectively may also be useful for researching and documenting grant proposals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Technical Writer

A technical writer creates documentation that helps people understand and use complex products or services. This often involves explaining technical information clearly and concisely through manuals, guides, and online help systems. The course, with its focus on clarity, organization, and precision in writing, helps build a strong foundation for a career as a technical writer. The lectures on organizing ideas and developing a unique writing style contribute to conveying complex information in an accessible manner. The course, which covers resume and cover letter writing, may be useful for landing a job as a technical writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Editor

An editor reviews and revises written material to improve clarity, accuracy, and style. Editors work in various industries, from publishing to journalism, ensuring content is error-free and engaging. The course's comprehensive approach to writing mechanics, including grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, helps to build a strong foundation for editing. The lectures on developing writing style and organizing ideas may further refine an editor's ability to improve written content. The focus on revision strategies may be useful for identifying and correcting errors in manuscripts and other documents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Speech Writer

Speech writers create speeches for public figures, executives, or other individuals. They need to be clear, persuasive, and to write in the voice of the person delivering the speech. The course emphasizes clarity, precision, and persuasive writing, skills directly applicable to crafting effective speeches. The focus on developing a unique writing style and engaging an audience will help speech writers create memorable and impactful speeches. The course may be useful for approaching the nuances of speech composition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech Writer

Copywriter

A copywriter writes persuasive text for advertising or marketing. Copywriters are responsible for developing slogans, taglines, website content, and marketing materials. The course focuses on clarity, organization, and persuasive writing, skills directly applicable to crafting effective copy. The emphasis on developing a unique writing style contributes to creating memorable and impactful marketing messages. The lectures on pre-professional writing may be relevant to preparing a portfolio and cover letter for copywriting roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage an organization's public image by writing press releases, social media posts, and other communications. They aim to build positive relationships with the public and the media. The course, with its focus on persuasive writing and clear communication, assists in crafting compelling messages that resonate with target audiences. The lectures on developing a unique writing style and organizing ideas logically support the creation of engaging and effective public relations materials. The course's teachings on pre-professional writing may be useful in crafting professional communications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Communications Manager

Communications managers oversee internal and external communications for an organization. The role involves writing and editing various materials, from newsletters to website content. The course emphasizes clarity, precision, and persuasive writing, skills directly applicable to crafting effective communications. The focus on developing a unique writing style and engaging an audience will help communications managers create compelling messages. The course may assist in building a foundational understanding of effective communication strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Content Strategist

Content strategists plan, develop, and manage content for various platforms. They ensure content aligns with organizational goals and target audiences. The role requires a deep understanding of writing principles, audience engagement, and effective communication strategies. The course emphasizes understanding academic writing expectations and developing clear thesis statements, fundamental skills for crafting compelling content strategies. The focus on organizing ideas logically and structuring content strategically helps content strategists create engaging and informative materials. The course may be useful for approaching content development with clarity and purpose.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Strategist

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers design and create educational materials, such as lesson plans, textbooks, and online courses. The position requires strong writing skills, an understanding of pedagogy, and the ability to present information clearly and engagingly. The course emphasizes clarity, organization, and persuasive writing, skills directly useful for crafting effective curriculum materials. The focus on organizing ideas logically and structuring content strategically contributes to creating coherent and engaging learning experiences. The course's teachings on writing mechanics may be useful when avoiding errors in instructional materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Journalist

Journalists research and report on current events, writing articles for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast media. Strong writing skills, including clarity, accuracy, and engaging storytelling, are vital for journalists. The course emphasizes clarity and precision in writing, skills essential for conveying information effectively to a wide audience. The focus on developing persuasive arguments and incorporating sources effectively will enhance a journalist's ability to present balanced and well-supported reports. The course may be useful in building confidence in approaching various writing assignments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Social Media Manager

Social media managers oversee an organization's online presence. They are responsible for creating engaging content, managing social media accounts, and interacting with followers. The role requires strong writing skills, creativity, and an understanding of social media trends. The course emphasizes clarity, precision, and persuasive writing, skills applicable to crafting effective social media content. The focus on developing a unique writing style will help social media managers create a distinct brand voice. The course may be useful when approaching social media writing with purpose and strategy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Literary Agent

Literary agents represent authors and sell their work to publishers. The position requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to assess the quality of writing. The course emphasizes clarity, precision, and persuasive writing, skills directly useful for evaluating manuscripts and pitching authors to publishers. The focus on developing strong thesis statements and structuring ideas strategically helps agents articulate the strengths of a manuscript. This course may be useful in refining the critical skills needed to succeed as a literary agent.

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Editor in Chief

An editor in chief oversees the editorial content and direction of a publication or website. While this role typically requires years of experience, a strong foundation in writing and editing is essential. The course's comprehensive approach to writing mechanics, style, and organization provides valuable tools for aspiring editors in chief. The lectures on developing persuasive arguments and engaging an audience will enhance an editor's ability to shape compelling narratives. While an advanced degree is usually required, the lectures on pre-professional writing may be useful when preparing for more advanced roles.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find information and resources. While not strictly writing-focused, librarians often write reports, summaries, and educational materials. They require communication skills to assist patrons. This course emphasizes clarity, precision, and persuasive writing, skills that can be useful for communicating effectively with library patrons and creating informative materials. The focus on organizing ideas logically contributes to presenting information in a clear and accessible manner. The lessons on using sources effectively may assist librarians in research and documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Essentials: University Writing Crash Course.

They Say - I Say with Readings

Save

Provides templates and frameworks for engaging in academic arguments. It teaches students how to effectively respond to others' ideas and develop their own arguments in a clear and persuasive manner. It is particularly helpful for developing and supporting ideas persuasively and understanding how to approach various common writing assignments. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions.

"They Say / I Say" with Readings

Hardcover

$$$

"They Say / I Say" with Readings (Sixth High School...

Kindle Edition

Academic Writing Essentials

University Writing Crash Course

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

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Reviews summary

Academic writing essentials for university success

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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