Academic Writing 3301-L2PA-AW

I. Introduction:
Basics: clarity of communication, formal correspondence, formal style, bibliography, finding and evaluating credible academic sources

Exercise examples: adjusting a text to fit academic standards, evaluating sources, and creating a bibliography with adherence to styles such as MLA, Chicago, and APA.

Number of meetings devoted to the subject: 3

II. Paraphrase:

Paraphrasing entire texts and small parts of larger texts, plagiarism awareness, proper citations, and applying paraphrases in larger texts

Exercise examples: paraphrasing an academic text, evaluation of paraphrases used in texts discussed during the class

Number of meetings devoted to the subject: 2.

III. Summary:

Creating accurate, stylistically correct summaries, avoiding plagiarism and overinterpretation. Summary as part of a longer text, proper citations, and summarizing different sources, such as a film, a music video, or a short story.

Exercise examples: summarizing short paragraphs, summarizing longer texts

Number of meetings devoted to the subject: 2.

IV. Review:

Writing a constructive review and giving proper feedback, evaluating texts according to the requirements given (such as Call for Papers)

Exercise examples: reviewing the assigned text, evaluating a submission according to available guidelines

Number of meetings devoted to the subject: 2.

V. Abstract, Title, Keywords:

Writing abstracts of one’s own work, choosing appropriate keywords and an informative yet interesting title; evaluation of where work can potentially be submitted (conference CfP, academic journals’ requirements)
Exercise examples: creating an abstract, evaluating where the text can be submitted

Number of meetings devoted to the subject: 3.

VI. Final paper/Dissertation – strategies of writing academic essays with attention to proper structure, appropriate language, and with the usage of credible, well-cited sources.
Exercise examples: essay outline with appropriate sources

Number of meetings devoted to the subject: 3 (including one individual meeting to discuss the final essay)

Course coordinators

Maria Szafrańska-Chmielarz

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The course aims to develop skills necessary to write an academic research work, including a BA dissertation. These skills are: the selection of topic, choice of materials, preparing an outline, writing the first draft and final version complete with the abstract, footnotes and bibliography according to the approppriate convention. The student is expected to write a research work (2000 words) on a topic of their choosing within the field of linguistics or Anglo-Saxon literature and culture. Each project (title, thesis, outline, bibliography comprising at least 5 critical positions) is discussed individually. The first draft should be presented halfway through the semester, while the final draft together with the abstract and footnotes two weeks before the end. Two absences are allowed. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom is governed by the rules set forth in Resolution No. 16 of the Teaching Council for the programs English Studies, English Studies – Linguistics, and English Studies – Literature and Culture of 9 December 2025 (https://ia.uw.edu.pl/fileadmin/ilustracje/dokumenty/2026/RD_IA_2025_UCHWALA_nr16_narzedzia_AI_nowelizacja_ZAL2_EN.pdf). Any and all use of AI must be reported. It is not permitted to use AI for graded assignments or final projects.

Learning outcomes

*** Applies to students of the programme: Filologia angielska – literatura i kultura (English Studies – Literature and Culture) ***

Knowledge
Students will have familiarity with:
- advanced structures, lexis and conventions of spoken and written English in the context of academic work (K_W07)

Abilities
Students will be able to:

- use structures, lexis and language conventions appropriate to the communicative situation (e.g. holding a public debate, giving an academic presentation, etc.) in spoken and written English at the minimum level C1
according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. (K_U07)

Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources for academic work (K_K01)

*** Applies to students of the programme: Filologia angielska – językoznawstwo (English Studies – Linguistics) ***

Knowledge
Students will have familiarity with:
- advanced structures, lexis and conventions of spoken and written English in the context of academic work (K_W08)

Abilities
Students will be able to:
-use structures, lexis and language conventions appropriate to the communicative situation (e.g. holding a public debate, giving an academic presentation, etc.) in spoken and written English at the minimum level C1
according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (K_U08)

Social competences
Students will be ready to:
-critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources and correctly choose sources to base their academic work on (K_K01)

Assessment criteria

Learning activities and teaching methods:

- analysis of primary and secondary sources
- discussion
- writing exercises performed in class
- evaluation of assigned texts

Assessment methods and criteria:

- Written assignments (verification of W, U), final term paper (verification of outcomes: W, U, K).

Bibliography

Bailey, S., Academic Writing. A Handbook for International Students. Second edition, Routledge 2006
Macpherson, R., Advanced Written English, PWN 2007
---. English for Academic Purposes, PWN 2012
---. English for Writers and Translators, PWN 1996
Mammadova, T. Academic Writing and Information Literacy Instruction in Digital Environments. A Complementary Approach, Springer Nature, 2023
Thomson, P., Refining Your Academic Writing Strategies for Reading, Revising and Rewriting, Routledge 2023