Academic and Journalistic Writing 3700-ISSC-AJW
This workshop will be devoted to improving the participants’ techniques of writing, especially clearly formulating thoughts and structuring various kinds of academic and journalistic texts appropriately. This will be done through elements of lectures and instruction, and – principally – through practical tasks. In class, students will be asked to produce short pieces of writing, do some editing exercises, and discuss and edit other participants’ writing. As homework, students will be asked to write two major pieces: an article for the press and an academic argumentative essay, and several minor pieces (a blog post, critique essay, data commentary). These will also be discussed in class.
Some other important aspects of writing which the class will focus on will include: using various kinds of sources; the ethics of using sources, both human and written, and of citing them in an appropriate way to avoid plagiarism; the organization of the writing process; using helpful software, such as Zotero for bibliographies; creating visual materials; preparing work for publication; publishing in academic journals and in the media from politics, society and economy.
Since clear writing is a key ability for university students and in many professions, the class will be helpful for everyone, but especially those considering a career in academia or in the media.
Type of course
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Definiując efekty kształcenia proszę uwzględnić efekty kształcenia zdefiniowane dla kierunku artes liberales (w załączeniu dla I i II stopnias – wybrać odpowiednią listę). Efekty kształcenia dla przedmiotu muszą wynikać z efektów kierunkowych i obejmować efekty kształcenia w zakresie:
- wiedzy (W)
- umiejętności (U)
- kompetencji społecznych (K)
K_W07: Knows the advanced methods of analysis and interpretation of cultural texts.
K_W11: Understands cultural texts written in a foreign language (Italian or Spanish), including scientific papers; is able to write analytical texts in a foreign language on his/her own.
K_U01: Is able to select and make a critical assessment of information coming from various scientific, popular science, journalistic and other sources.
K_U03: Is able to independently conceptualize research problems, selects the appropriate sources, conducts their critical analysis and evaluation according to previously established criteria, can adapt the methodology accordingly to research theme, draw conclusions with the awareness of various points of view.
K_U05: Is able to prepare an oral or written presentation taking into account the needs of recipients, in particular with the use of a range of digital tools; can present arguments to support her/his beliefs and knowledge in a logical and convincing manner.
K_U06: Is able to present the results of individual and team academic work in an appropriate form: in the form of a structured and argued statement, both in the form of a written study and an oral presentation (conference talk or voice in a discussion). At the same time, adhere to all ethical principles, including those related to copyrights. Knows the rules of using data sources, including digital sources.
K_U07: Is able to prepare written works taking into account the requirements for academic work.
K_U08: Is able to prepare written works of a popular science and other, addressing to a wide audience (journalistic, popular science) and with functional characteristics (design applications).
K_K05: Is ready to show respect for partners in the discussion and uses substantive arguments; understands the principles of tolerance and cultural differences.
K_K06: Knows the academic ethos and uses it to develop his own scientific achievements.
Assessment criteria
Students will be graded on:
- active participation in classes, including in-class assignments and discussion (20%)
- smaller home assignments (20%)
- half-term paper: article for the press written as homework (25%)
- term paper: argumentative essay (35%)
Since this is a workshop, participation in all classes is strongly encouraged. Two absences are permitted without any additional penalties. Any additional absences require a justification, though no more than 5 absences are allowed. Students absent during a class will be able to submit their short written pieces to receive credit.
Bibliography
Will be provided before each class (at least 2 weeks in advance); will include textbooks and other material on academic writing as well as sample scientific and journalistic texts for discussion and analysis.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: