Graduate Research and Writing Strategies
Winter 2014
Portland State University
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:30 – 12:35
Instructor:
Office:
PSU Voicemail:
Email:
Eowyn Ferey
University Center Building, 401 - I
503-725-2370 eowynb@pdx.edu
If you need to see me, you may come to my office without an appointment on Mondays between 2 and 3. My door will be open. If that time doesn’t work for you, please tell me and we’ll make an appointment.
Important Dates:
Monday, January 20.
Monday, March 17.
Required Course Materials:
PSU closed for MLK, Jr. Day
Finals week begins
The text for this course is Academic Writing for Graduate Students, Third Edition, by Swales and Feak. ISBN: 978-0-
472-03475-8.
You will also need access to a copy of Commentary for Academic Writing for Graduate Students, Third Edition, by
Swales and Feak. ISBN: 978-0-472-03506-9. This includes answers to many of the exercises in the textbook.
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Course Goals and Content:
Students in this class are expected to have some prior experience with research writing as well as a strong foundation in English grammar. During this course, you will extend your research skills and learn how to apply them to your chosen academic discipline. You will improve your ability to use academic vocabulary and grammar.
In addition, you will learn about the culture of research and writing in American graduate schools.
Some of the things you will do this term include:
Writing an American-style professional biography
Attending a library orientation and tour and learning how to work with research librarians
Improving your knowledge of why and how to use a system of citation in your research writing
Completing two research papers using appropriate references and citations
Learning about resources typically available to graduate students to help with various types of writing
Policies:
Come to class on time and prepared. Be physically and mentally present. In other words, don’t text, talk on the phone, or surf the internet during class. Take all quizzes, tests, and the final exam. Don’t cheat. If you are sick or can’t come to class, communicate with me as quickly as possible. If you have any difficulty hearing, seeing, or walking, or if you have an illness or other condition that will make this class difficult for you, please talk to me by the end of the first week. I want to help you!

Grades are calculated as follows:
Active Participation and Attendance:
Writing Assignments:
Swales and Feak Reading, Reflection:
Final Exam:
25% (1% daily)
40% (5% each, research papers slightly more)
25%
10%
Swales and Feak Reading Schedule
Read this Week
1
2 Swales and Feak, Unit One: An
Approach to Academic Writing, pgs.
1-53.
3 Swales and Feak, Unit Two: General-
Specific and Specific-General Texts, pgs. 55-92
4 Swales and Feak, Unit Three:
Problem, Process, Solution, pgs. 100-
137
5
Swales and Feak, Unit Four: Data
Commentary, pgs. 139-183.
6
7
Swales and Feak, Unit Five: Writing
Summaries, pgs. 188-225
Swales and Feak, Unit Six: Writing
Critiques, pgs. 228-276.
8 Swales and Feak, Unit Seven:
Constructing a Research Paper I, pgs.
277-316.
9 Swales and Feak, Unit Eight:
Constructing a Research Paper II, pgs.
10
327-378.
FRIDAY
10
Unit One
Reflection DUE
17
Unit Two
Reflection DUE
24
Unit Three
Reflection DUE
31
Unit Four
Reflection DUE
7
Unit Five
Reflection DUE
14
Unit Six Reflection
DUE
21
Unit Seven
Reflection DUE
28
Unit Eight
Reflection DUE
Writing Assignments. These assignments must be typed. You should double-space your work and be sure to check your spelling. Print your assignment and turn it in during class on the due date. Be sure to follow the guidelines in the handout titled, “Student Behavior and Expectations: Guidelines for Graduate Students in the U.S.”
This term you will write: a professional biography, an email, a data commentary, a summary, a short research paper and a long research paper.
Orientations and Tours. We will liaise with a number of PSU representatives this term, including a research librarian, a representative from the Office of Graduate Studies, and a representative from Advising and Career Services. Dates to be announced. If time allows, we will also take a tour of the Multnomah County Library Central branch.