Academic English Writing

Postgraduate course 2023/2024

Type: Compulsory course

Area of studies: Postgraduate Studies

Delivered by: Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience

When: 1 year, 1 semester

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of one campus

Instructors: Svetlana Malyutina

Language: English

ECTS credits: 2

Contact hours: 24

Full Syllabus

Abstract

The course is intended to provide PhD students with theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for publishing academic papers in English. The course includes three components: (1) theoretical topics on academic writing (e.g., tips for writing specific sections of the article, useful resources for academic writing, etc.); (2) hands-on practice of English (working on common difficulties in academic grammar and vocabulary); (3) hands-on practice of writing academic texts.

Learning Objectives

To gain an understanding of academic article structure and content
To gain an understanding of the article submission, review and revision processes
To improve the level of English and avoid common mistakes in academic vocabulary and grammar
To improve the student's own academic text (e.g., section of an article)

Expected Learning Outcomes

To compare the requirements of different academic writing genres
To use resources available for academic writing (reference managers, useful websites, etc.)
To organize one's writing activities in a productive way.
Is able to properly organize the Introduction section of an academic article
Is able to properly organize the Method section of an academic article
Is able to properly organize the Results section of an academic article
Is able to properly organize the Discussion section of an academic article
Is able to select an optimal journal for submitting the manuscript
Is able to write a cover letter for article submission.
Is able to organize the necessary files and navigate the manuscript submission process.
Is able to write an article review as a peer reviewer
Is able to respond to comments of peer reviewers
Is able to edit one' manuscript and make changes requested by reviewers.

Course Contents

Academic writing genres and resources
Academic Writing Productivity
Writing journal article sections
Submitting the paper to a journal
Peer review

Assessment Elements

Evaluation of participation
Academic English Test
A short test (<15 min) covering grammar and vocabulary of academic English that has been studied and practiced in class
Evaluation of a paper section
Evaluation of the student's paper section draft (Introduction/Method/Results/Discussion/abstract) brought to class for discussion.

Interim Assessment

2023/2024 1st semester
0.25 * Academic English Test + 0.5 * Evaluation of a paper section + 0.25 * Evaluation of participation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Belcher, W. L. (DE-588)103278413X, (DE-627)739934139, (DE-576)380287447, aut. (2009). Writing your journal article in 12 weeks a guide to academic publishing success Wendy Laura Belcher.
Writing your journal article in 12 weeks : a guide to academic publishing success, Belcher, W. L., 2009
Writing your journal article in twelve weeks : a guide to academic publishing success, Belcher, W. L., 2019

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Bailey, S. (2017). Academic Writing : A Handbook for International Students (Vol. Fifth edition). London: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1650435
Hartley, J. (2008). Academic Writing and Publishing : A Practical Handbook. New York: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=224109
Johnson, A. P. (2016). Academic Writing : Process and Product. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1222793
Murray, R., & Moore, S. (2006). The Handbook of Academic Writing : A Fresh Approach. Maidenhead, England: McGraw-Hill Education. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=234234
Paul J. Silvia. (2019). How to Write a Lot : A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing: Vol. Second edition. APA LifeTools.
Porter, D. (2007). Check Your Vocabulary for Academic English : All You Need to Pass Your Exams: Vol. 3rd ed. A&C Black Business Information and Development.
Write Here, Right Now : An Interactive Introduction to Academic Writing and Research. (2018). Place of publication not identified: publisher not identified. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsotl&AN=edsotl.OTLid0000681

Course Syllabus