ISS-9104 Academic Writing Skills
Code
Weight of the course
Period
Course Leader
Lecturer
Teaching Methods
Modes of Assessment
Contact
ISS-9104
5 ECTS
TERM 1 – TERM 3
Almas Mahmud
Almas Mahmud
Participatory Lecture, Tutorial, Workshop
Attendance: 100%
Marieke Klopper
Learning objectives
Students at ISS could face challenges in communication skills when they undertake a study in a
language other than L1 (mother tongue). For instance, writing in an academic style could seem
daunting initially, with appropriate use of language, structure and referencing. However, it can be
overcome by acquiring the right skills in writing for academic purposes. Keeping in view the cultural
challenges that international students face, this tailor-made course takes a holistic approach, meeting
the needs of a diverse group of students.
Students who need to improve their writing skills or may only want to refresh certain aspects of writing
for academic purposes can join the course and register in Term1. If there is place, students could also
join in Term 2 with the approval of the course leader.
Course description
The course adapts itself to the needs of students, covering different aspects of writing skills. It
progresses from Upper- Intermediate to Advanced Level of grammar where traditional grammar
points are systematically presented as language in context to show how grammar creates meaning.
Problems of sentence structure, sentence techniques, syntax, run-on sentences, comma splice,
choppy or stringy sentences are taught and practiced.
In addition, students learn about academic writing conventions. The appropriate use of language in
paraphrasing and summarizing shows how to avoid the pitfalls of plagiarism. Students are guided
towards rules of referencing, following the ISS- Harvard style- which is essential. As students work on
their essays, the principles behind a structured introduction, paragraph writing and use of discourse
markers will guide them towards cohesive and structured writing. Different topics relating to style of
writing encourages students to explore ways to achieve effective academic writing skills which is
required not only for essays during the masters programme but also for the research paper.
The course is held twice a week, and students can choose to attend either of the two sessions.
Indicative Reading
Booth, W.C., G.G. Colomb and J.M. Willams (2008The Craft of Research. ( 3rd edition) Chicago: The
University of Chicago Press.
Cottrell, S. (2005) Critical Thinking Skills. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Foley, M. and D. Hall (2008) Longman advanced learners’ grammar: A self-study reference & practice
book with answers. Harlow: Longman.
Foley, M. and D. Hall ( 2012) MyGrammarLab (Advanced Level) Harlow: Pearson Longman.
Hands, P. (2011) Collins COBUILD English Grammar. Glasgow: HarperCollins Publishers.
Hewings, M. ( 2013) Advanced Grammar in Use: A self-study reference and practice book. ( New
Edition)Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
McCarthy, M. and F. O’Dell (2008) English Collocations in Use: How Words Work Together for Fluent
and Natural English ( Advanced). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
McCarthy, M. and F. O’Dell (2008) Academic Vocabulary in Use with Answers. Cambridge: University
of Cambridge Press.
Murphy, R. (2012)English Grammar in Use: A self- study reference and practice book for Intermediate
Learners of Engish. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Swales. J.M. and C.B. Feak ( 2012) Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and
Skills. Ann Arbor, MI: The University of Michigan Press.