SSS031 Academic Writing Skills (2)

Abstract

Academic Writing Skills aims to provide students with an intensive writing workshop in which the key skills required to write successfully at university are presented and practised. The subject content covers the broad academic categories of style and structure, with a focus on complexity and formality, referencing, punctuation, grammar, as well as writing an essay introduction, body, and conclusion.

This subject will be delivered to students via a two-day (week-end) face-to-face workshop. During the workshop, students will deconstruct exemplar texts in order to identify and analyse the features of quality academic writing. They will complete a number of written activities, individually and in groups, including composing simple and complex sentences as well as extended texts displaying coherent, logical arguments. There will also be an online component providing students with the opportunity to participate in CSU’s online learning environment.

The Subject Coordinator will be available via the online forum before and after the workshop to guide and support students

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Term 1
On Campus	United Theological College
Term 2
On Campus	United Theological College
Term 3
On Campus	United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SSS031
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One term	SY/US	Office for Students

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

Identify the features of academic writing.
Use the conventions of academic writing to produce texts.
Write a variety of simple, compound and complex sentences.
Demonstrate the ability to write formal and complex structures, where appropriate.
Identify some basic grammatical terms and understand their relevance to formal academic writing.
Use punctuation to organise meaning in a text and be able to edit a text to ensure that correct punctuation is used.
Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of referencing at university and be able to produce correct in-text citations and an end-of-text reference list.
Demonstrate effective strategies for note taking.
Critically evaluate evidence.
Plan and structure a text that presents and supports a point of view based on research.
Write an introduction to an academic essay.
Write a coherent body paragraph that includes a topic sentence, elaboration and evidence.
Demonstrate the ability to integrate sources into a body paragraph.
Write a concluding paragraph.
Find resources or services that support further development in academic writing skills.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

Formality in academic writing.
Complexity in academic writing.
Grammar.
Punctuation.
Writing essay introductions and conclusions.
Writing body paragraphs.
Integrating sources and paraphrasing.
APA style referencing.

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