PMCb1002 Academic writing

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Deretha Bester, BA (lecturer)
doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Vlastimil Havlík, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Nevio Moreschi (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Vlastimil Havlík, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Vlastimil Havlík, Ph.D.
Timetable
Mon 23. 9. 14:00–15:40 P24b, Mon 30. 9. 14:00–15:40 P24b, Mon 7. 10. 14:00–15:40 P24b, Mon 14. 10. 14:00–15:40 P24b, Mon 21. 10. 14:00–15:40 P24b, Mon 4. 11. 14:00–15:40 P24b
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This 5 ECTS course is foundational to the BA Program as a whole. This course introduces undergraduate students to the basic principles of academic writing and essential writing skills. The content and lessons taught in this course can be applied to all writing assignments within the BA program. Therefore, the knowledge acquired during the course will be used by students for their own original research in the study program. Broadly, this course aims to give students the foundational knowledge on academic writing and academic research. The course will provide information about all the necessary structural elements of an academic paper and how to organise and present arguments. After completing the course, students will know the basic elements of academic papers, the academic style of writing, and will be able to critically read texts, actively use sources, write and edit an academic paper, apply the norms for proper citation of sources, and work with feedback. Besides an emphasis on the fundamental aspects of academic writing and research, this course is taught through student’s active engagement in the writing process, specifically, the weekly exercises and assignments regarding the final paper (final assignment).
Learning outcomes
Students will understand the basics and fundamental aspects of academic writing and research. Students will learn how to structure an essay and think critically. Students will know the components of an academic essay, including: How to develop and research questions and puzzles. How to conduct a literature review. How to build solid arguments. How to use sources and data, and the different types of sources. How to conclude your essay and construct an effective abstract. How to reference. Students will have the opportunity to write a paper and integrate the lessons taught.
Syllabus
  • Lesson 1. Introduction to course; types of academic writing and writing style. Lesson 2: Types of data and sources (finding them and referencing). Lesson 3: Develop and present research question. Lesson 4: Literature review and theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Lesson 4: Methodology and findings presentation. Lesson 5: Abstract and conclusion.
Literature
    required literature
  • Belcher, W. L. (2019). Writing your journal article in twelve weeks: A guide to academic publishing success. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
  • Gillett, A., Hammond, A., & Martala, M. (2013). Inside track to successful academic writing. London: Pearson.
  • Hartley, J. (2008). Academic Writing and Publishing. A Practical Handbook. Abingdon: Routledge.
  • Jesson, J., Matheson, L., & Lacey, F. M. (2011). Doing your literature review: Traditional and systematic techniques. Sage.
Teaching methods
Lectures, class discussion, short homework for class discussion, assignments, final paper.
Assessment methods
The course offers a total of 60 points: Class Participation: 12 points total (2 points per class, with 6 classes in total). Assignments: 15 points total (5 points per assignment, with 3 assignments in total). Final Paper: 33 points total.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2024/PMCb1002