EIL4003 - English as a Tool for Writing Research

Leader: Dr. Farzad Sharifian and Ms. Lorraine Bullock

Offered

Not offered in 2007

Synopsis

This unit covers the cultural, sociological and rhetorical aspects of research writing. During the unit students consider the role of the writer and the construction of an individual voice within the constraints of the research paper. Both the role of the writer and the expectations of the reader play an important part in approach to any research project. Finally, with the expansion of the Web as a resource for information, students consider the evaluation of web-based materials and sites as part of their research, looking at how this evaluation takes a different focus to that of the published journal article or scholarly text book.

Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this unit, students will have developed the ability to:

1. Construct a research proposal,
2. Recognise the importance of deadlines and set priorities in research and writing,
3. Understand the research task as a culturally determined process,
4. Present original ideas and findings directly in a clear, reasoned and compelling manner,
5. Recognise the various genres related to the research task,
6. Compose a dissertation abstract using academic language structures,
7. Recognise the place for the individual voice within the academic text,
8. Avoid inappropriate language, for examples colloquialisms, informal expressions and emotional appeals,
9. Understand the presentation, style, structure and mechanics expected in this discourse community, and
10. Evaluate the research found on the web in terms of its appropriateness and academic application.

Assessment

Summary of web-based research material (1000 words) : 15%
Oral Presentation of research proposal (500 words) : 10%
Construction of an Abstract (500 words) : 20%
Final Research Proposal (1500 words) : 30%
Short literature review related to the Proposal (1000 words) : 20% +
Final Research Proposal (1500 words) : 30%
Seminar participation and preparation 5%

Contact hours

1 two-hour seminar per week.

Prerequisites

The successful completion of an undergraduate degree in any field, An IELTS score of 6.0, where no band is less that 5.5