Academic Writing in Spanish IV 3305-RTNH4-2U
• Written expression
The writing component of the course involves: (1) a detailed analysis of academic texts and essays; (2) developing the ability to formulate and argue critical opinions in writing, based on the sources and materials discussed in class; (3) improving written style, with particular attention to the specific features of academic language; (4) clearly distinguishing between language registers in order to produce well-crafted academic texts.
By the end of the course, students will be able to express their views clearly and precisely in writing on topics related to their field of study, and will be capable of writing a master’s thesis under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Reading comprehension
Students fully understand the meaning, main idea and detailed information of a text; they interpret implicit information accurately and draw appropriate conclusions from context. They also understand all intra-sentential and inter-sentential links, as well as the overall structure and rhetorical function of the text.
• Course outline
- Structure of academic articles and research papers
- Structure of argumentation and exposition / Thesis and antithesis
- Linguistic and argumentative strategies
- Justifying an argument and assessing its strength
- Typologies of academic and scholarly texts
- Analysis of the most common errors found in academic writing
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Type of course
Prerequisites
Mode
General: Classroom | Term 2024L: Remote learning | Term 2025L: Classroom Remote learning |
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE
Upon completing the course, the student:
• understands the specific subject matter and methodology relevant to Iberian studies, can apply this knowledge creatively in professional contexts, and is familiar with terminology related to Hispanic linguistics (K_W01);
• is familiar with the terminology used in academic writing within the field of Iberian studies (K_W05);
• is aware of current developments in research centers and academic schools, particularly in selected areas of linguistics, including those within the Spanish-speaking world (K_W06).
SKILLS
Upon completing the course, the student can:
• independently acquire knowledge related to academic writing and take initiative in developing their skills and managing their professional career as a teacher or editor in the Spanish language (K_U02);
• use their language skills to understand and produce spoken and written texts, applying the appropriate terminology used in Iberian studies (K_U03);
• use the Spanish language at a C2 level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (K_U05).
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
Upon completing the course, the student is prepared to:
• work effectively in a group, taking on various roles as needed (K_K01).
Assessment criteria
Final Grade Composition:
• Three written assignments (60% of the grade)
• Exam result (20% of the grade)
• Class participation (20% of the grade)
In accordance with Resolution No. 98 of the University Council for Education (dated December 8, 2023), the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in coursework and thesis preparation is permitted only with the instructor’s approval and must align with the objectives of the course. The purpose, scope, and method of using AI must be clearly defined and explicitly acknowledged in the submitted work, including a clear indication of where AI tools were used. Students are fully responsible for the content of their work, including compliance with copyright laws, accuracy and reliability of sources, avoidance of bias, and adherence to academic integrity standards.
Bibliography
• Cassany, D. (2011). La cocina de la escritura. Barcelona: Anagrama.
• Eco, U. (1996). Cómo se hace una tesis: técnicas y procedimientos de investigación, estudio y escritura. Barcelona: Gedisa.
• Miró Julià, J. (2005). Manual de Escritura Técnica. http://bioinfo.uib.es/~joemiro/escherrdoc/manual.pdf
• Montolío, E. (dir.) (2018). Manual de escritura académica y profesional: estrategias gramaticales y discursivas. Barcelona: Ariel.
• Pinker, S. (2014). El sentido del estilo: La guía de escritura del pensador del siglo XXI. Madrid: Capitán Swing.
• Sánchez Lobato, J. (coord.) (2007). Saber escribir. México D.F.: Aguilar.
• Sánchez Upegui, A. A. (2011). Manual de redacción académica e investigativa: cómo escribir, evaluar y publicar artículos. Medellín: Católica del Norte Fundación Universitaria.
• Testa, M. & Figueira-Cardoso, S. (eds.) (2025). Academic Writing in Additional Languages (Lx): Teaching, Research, and Emerging Technologies. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: