COMP80142 Scientific Methods III - Academic Writing and Impact Studies syllabus 2019-2020

Overview

This course gives an introduction on effective academic writing as well as understanding and communicating the impact of research. A student attending this course will gain experience in producing and assessing academic writing in a variety of forms. In particular, each student will produce a new piece of academic writing for this course and a revision thereof. Students will also produce reviews for peer produced writing. In addition to the mechanics of writing, we will discuss the purposes of different forms of writing, choice of venue, how to produce useful criticism, and how to respond to criticism. We will also discuss evaluation of work in light of both broad and narrow academic considerations, as well as effects on society as a whole.

Aims

The unit aims to teach students how to produce and assess academic writing.

Syllabus

This course unit is run both face-to-face and online, with a large hands on component. Students are divided into groups and each week 2 members of each group produce a piece of academic writing for peer evaluation. Additionally, we will have topic oriented discussion

Seminar topics include:

1. Paper mechanics: Structure, prose style, organisation
2. Genres, venues, sorts of audience
3. Situating work
4. Understanding and presenting impact
5. Collaboration and co-authorship
6. Making and breaking arguments
7. Conclusion and discussion writing

This course unit will be run as a seminar, and active attendance is mandatory. You must produce all writing and reviews on time.

Study hours