Academic writing

Postgraduate course 2022/2023

Type: Elective course

Area of studies: Postgraduate Studies

Delivered by: School of Linguistics

When: 1 year, 1 semester

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of one campus

Instructors: Anastasia Yakovleva

Language: English

ECTS credits: 2

Contact hours: 28

Full Syllabus

Abstract

This syllabus establishes the requirements for the knowledge and skills, and defines the content of the course and the forms of evaluation for 37.06.01 Psychological Sciences, research and pedagogy-oriented programmes for PhD-students: General psychology, Personality Psychology and History of Psychology; Psychophysiology; Social Psychology. The programme is designed for lecturer and PhD-students within 37.06.01 Psychological Sciences, research and pedagogy-oriented programmes for PhD-students: General psychology, Personality Psychology and History of Psychology; Psychophysiology; Social Psychology.

Learning Objectives

The course Academic Writing in English and Presentation Skills targets PhD students in psychology and is aimed at developing academic writing and presentation skills that are necessary for publishing articles and teaching in the English-speaking academic environment.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Identifying different academic texts types
interpreting and critically evaluating a variety of academic texts in English in the field of psychology (book report, literature review, abstract, research paper)
ability to use vocabulary, punctuation and structures appropriate to academic language
to produce texts satisfying the standards of academic English and American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines.
to use different systems of style and reference
design and layout skills suitable for presentations and posters.
to develop a clear and coherent argument on the research topic
to identify and correctly target the potential audience by choosing appropriate style, vocabulary, and level of formality
to develop efficient planning, pre-writing, drafting, and editing techniques
identifying and implementing the basic writing strategies and standards of English academic writing in the style of a research paper, including argumentation structure, psychological data presentation, compositional, rhetoric, stylistic, verbal, and grammatical devices
identifying and implementing the basic writing strategies and standards of English academic writing in the style of an abstract, including argumentation structure, psychological data presentation, compositional, rhetoric, stylistic, verbal, and grammatical devices;
to prepare curriculum vitae, cover letter, research statement.

Course Contents

General issues in Academic Writing
Vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
APA style sheet
Abstract writing.
Preparing a research paper
Preparation of Poster and Oral presentations
Preparation of other academic documents

Assessment Elements

Abstract writing
1. Preparing an abstract appropriate for an international conference in Psychology 2. Peer-reviewing your classmate’s abstract
In-class assignments
1. Finding and fixing errors typical for non-native speakers of English 2. Drafting an academic CV
Final assessment
Poster report or oral presentation – 10-15 slides

Interim Assessment

2022/2023 1st semester
0.3 * In-class assignments + 0.3 * Abstract writing + 0.4 * Final assessment

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Academic writing for graduate students : essential tasks and skills, Swales, J. M., 2012
Writing academic English : level 4, Oshima, A., 2006

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Academic writing for graduate students : essential tasks and skills, Swales, J. M., 2004

Course Syllabus