FI:VV070 Master's Thesis Writing - Course Information

VV070 Seminar on Master's Thesis Writing

Extent and Intensity

1/1/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: z (credit).

Teacher(s)

Mgr. Antonín Zita, M.A., Ph.D. (lecturer), Mgr. Eva Rudolfová (deputy)

Guaranteed by

Mgr. Eva Rudolfová
Language Centre, Faculty of Informatics Division – Language Centre
Supplier department: Language Centre, Faculty of Informatics Division – Language Centre

Timetable

Mon 12:00–13:50 C511

Prerequisites

VB001 Specialist English
The prerequisite for enrolling in the course is passing the examination in English (VB001)

Course Enrolment Limitations

The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 40 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/40, only registered: 0/40, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/40

fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with

there are 37 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display

Course objectives

Writing a thesis is frequently a long and arduous process and even more so when it has to be written in a language other than the author’s primary language. Therefore, this course is aimed at helping students who are in their last semester of studies to finish writing their theses. The course is separated into two tracks – a class track and an individual track. During the former, students attend six classes with the instructor and focus on the process of writing a thesis; the track will cover not only common grammar mistakes, but also the academic writing style or the mechanics of writing a thesis. The individual track has students write portions of their theses and then meet with the instructor on scheduled dates in order to receive feedback on their writing. There will be at least three individual sessions, each lasting 25-30 minutes. Students may be required to submit additional grammar and vocabulary exercises during both tracks. Students will have to pass an entrance exam in order to enroll into the course; this exam will be written during the first week of classes. Those with exceptionally good results will be offered the individual track only.

Learning outcomes

The course gives students a thorough insight into the mechanics of academic writing in English. Students will learn to identify and correct frequent mistakes in academic writing made by both native and non-native speakers in English. In addition, students will also gain insight into common stylistic issues made in the field of computer science. Finally, the course should provide students with guidance and information important for a successful completion of a thesis in English language.

Syllabus

• I. Common grammatical mistakes, appropriate register (formal/informal language), II. Academic vocabulary, understanding the academic style of writing, III. writing paragraphs, IV. linking paragraphs together, V. understanding the organization of a thesis, VI. advanced issues in computer science writing

Literature

recommended literature
• BIZUP, Joseph and Joseph M. WILLIAMS. Style : lessons in clarity and grace. Eleventh edition, Pearson ne. Harlow, Essex: Pearson, 2014, ii, 226. ISBN 9781292039794. info
• SWALES, John and Christine B. FEAK. Academic writing for graduate students : essential tasks and skills. 3rd ed. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan Press, 2012, xiv, 418. ISBN 9780472034758. info
• FOWLER, Henry Ramsey. The little, brown handbook. Edited by Jane E. Aaron - Daniel Anderson. 8th ed. New York: Longman, 2000, xxviii, 96. ISBN 0-321-07507-2. info
• DE CHAZAL, Edward and Julie MOORE. Oxford EAP : a course in English for academic purposes. 1st ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013, 239 s. ISBN 9780194001793. info

not specified
• SPARLING, Don. English or Czenglish? : jak se vyhnout čechismům v angličtině. 2. vyd. Praha: Státní pedagogické nakladatelství, 1990, 274 s. ISBN 8004253296. info
• Oxford learner's dictionary of academic English. Edited by Diana Lea. 1st pub. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014, 1 sv. ISBN 9780194333504. info
• DE CHAZAL, Edward and Sam MCCARTER. Oxford EAP : a course in English for academic purposes. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012, 152 s. ISBN 9780194001786. info
• SWAN, Michael. Practical English usage. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005, xxx, 658. ISBN 9780194420983. info
• HEWINGS, Martin. Advanced grammar in use with answers : a self-study reference and practice book for advanced learners of English. 1st pub. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999, ix, 340. ISBN 0521498694. info
• ALEXANDER, L. G. Longman English grammar. Edited by R. A. Close. London: Longman, 1988, x, 374. ISBN 0582558921. info

Teaching methods

Lectures, interactive seminars, active participation in class discussions, written assignments, individual sessions.

Assessment methods

Entrance exam, compulsory attendance. Successful completion of the course involves active participation in class discussion and exercises, regular attendance of both class and individual sessions, completing assigned homework, timely submission of text for feedback, and the production of a significant portion of the thesis.

Language of instruction

English

Further Comments

Study Materials
The course is taught each semester.

• Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2019, recent)
  
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