2023/2024
Academic Writing
Type:
Optional course
Delivered by:
School of Philosophy and Cultural Studies
When:
2, 3 module
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Instructors:
Louis Vervoort
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
2
Contact hours:
48
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course is aimed to introduce students to the conventions of academic English. It addresses different genres of academic writingand is focused ondeveloping writing and presentation skillsthat wouldenable students to communicate effectively in the academic environment. These skills are evaluated on the basis of anexamination at the end of the course. During the examination the students are expected to present their research proposals, based on their BA theses, first in the written form (2000 -2500 words) and then orally, in front of the examination committee. The course guides students through all stages of preparing their research proposals: designing its structure, defining methodology, critically assessing sources as well as scholarly texts,and developing their own arguments. The students also learn the principles of an effective academic presentation: they are taught to speak in front of an audience, keep within time limits and handle questions.The course involves an intensive practice of grammar and academic vocabulary to ensure the accurate use of language.In addition to writing academic texts, the students are taughtto write curricula vitae and cover letters; these skills are seen as equally important in helping students to pursue their academic careers. The studentswill also learn the rules of academic communication, both direct and mediated, and have an extensive practice in academic socializing.
Learning Objectives
- learn general skills for effective academic writing in English;
- learn how to write philosophy papers that accord with the formal conventions and expectations of the philosophical community;
- learn how to write academic CVs, motivation letters, and article abstracts;
- get better in oral academic presentations;
Expected Learning Outcomes
- know how to present a philosophical problem and motivate its importance;
- know how to present the results and problems of the existing literature, in a manner that highlights the significance and originality of your thesis;
- learn how to present a counterexample to a general thesis;
- know how to write concise abstracts of philosophy research papers, containing a clear statement of the main thesis of the paper and some indication of its motivations and argumentative strategy;
- be able to identify and to practice the five major moves in a philosophy research paper (problem, motivation, literature review, thesis, argument);
- know the usual conventions of academic English;
Course Contents
- Anatomy of a philosophy research paper
- Presenting a philosophical problem
- Literature Review
- Giving counterexamples
- Abstracts
- Writing English
Assessment Elements
- Participation to class discussions and in-class exercisesFor this part of the course evaluation, the students need to keep a notebook, in which they note the most relevant elements of the course content that is seen in class, and in which they write their answers to in-class exercises. The notebook will occasionally be shown to the teacher and will be used to grade this assessment element. Attendance to the course is mandatory or at least highly recommended for obtaining a good grade for this course; the ability to cooperate with peers, to write and discuss in English, and to provide constructive feedback is essential for this course. Therefore, if students cannot participate to a class, they should send an email in advance to the teacher to explain the reason of their absence (valid excuses are restricted to illness with medical certificate, force majeure, occasional work overload).
- Essay 1Summarize one of the articles / chapters of a list of texts, “they say”-style, see the textbook “They Say, I say”. Should be at least 1000 words. If the students wish, they may add an “I say” part, but this should not take more than 1/3rd of the text. So the “I say” part is optional. The deadline will be communicated well beforehand, and is strict (-1 point per day of delay).
- Essay 2Full essay / article, minimum 2000 words, containing both the “they say” and “I say” parts. Essay 2 must obligatorily contain: 1) the main thesis you defend; 2) an engagement with some of the existing literature on the subject; 3) your argument(s) to defend your thesis. The deadline will be communicated well beforehand, and is strict (-1 point per day of delay).
- Oral presentation of Essay 2 using a Powerpoint presentation.
