Academic Writing (Jānis Veckrācis)

Objective

The course language is English. Students are introduced into general methods, techniques and approaches of academic writing (types of academic papers; primary requirements as to their drafting, contents and style), work with sources and references, collection of data, analysis of primary and secondary sources and presentation or research results.

Results

Studies have acquired skills in writing academic essays, summaries and papers; doing independent research (extraction of information and provision of their own inputs) and analysis of all sorts of data and information; they know primary methods of academic studies; are able to use adequate style and register; show their presentation skills.

Organization mode of students` individual assignment: class work, home assignments, presentations.

Evaluation of learning outcomes: mid-term presentations, home assignments/class work; exam: final 15-page academic study and its presentation.

Course outline:

1.Types of academic writing .

2.Academic [argument] essay: structure; approaches; mapping and plan; drafting of the main structural elements.

3.References and evidence. Analysis. Evaluation.

4.Academic register or style.

5.The writing process and procedure. Prewriting techniques.

6.Primary and secondary sources.

7.Academic writing and text. Coherence and context.

8.Plagiarism.

9.Academic research methods in social sciences:

9.1.Epistemology.

9.2.Research tools and procedures.

9.3.Data collection.

9.4.Fundamental/applied/practical research.

9.5.Research parameters.

9.6.Aims of research.

9.7.Qualitative/quantitative research.

9.8.Research design.

9.9.Hypothesis. 'Zero' hypothesis.

9.10.Criteria

9.11.Sources and resources. Variables and data.

9.12.Results. Conclusions. Validity and quality.

10.Bachelor Thesis Guidelines.

11.Independent final 15-page study and its presentation.