Introduction to Academic Writing and Language (Online)
A course to develop basic knowledge of English syntax and academic writing
Course overview
This course is designed for international students and other University members, with little or no experience in academic writing, who want to develop their basic knowledge of English syntax and academic writing. It is also designed for those who feel they need to advance their competence in using academic language to perform satisfactorily in their written course work.
The programme introduces a foundational understanding of the organisation of ideas in common types of academic texts, as well as the skills needed to communicate effectively to the reader. It also looks to develop their competence in the use of the grammar, vocabulary, expressions, style and conventions typically used in academic writing at Oxford.
This course is online - students will access materials and take part in seminars using Oxford’s VLE system, Canvas, and videoconferencing software.
Learning outcomes
- Develop essential knowledge of the organisation of ideas in common academic texts (e.g. essays, reports, dissertations, publications)
- Improve the organisation and expression of arguments, evidence and stance in writing
- Develop essential skills to integrate ideas from the literature into the student’s writing
- Use linking words and expressions to communicate effectively with the reader
- Develop use of essential academic grammar, vocabulary and style
- Avoid the grammatical, vocabulary and stylistic errors common to international students
- Receive feedback on their academic writing and advice on how to continue to develop throughout their degree course
Timetable Information for Online Seminars
Students are asked to enrol onto the course in the first instance. Once enrolment is closed, we will present you with a number of potential seminar time-slots during the week, and you can let us know which times are most convenient.
We will then give detailed instructions on how to follow the course online, and confirm the weekly seminar time-slot that you have been allocated to. In this way, we hope that the ‘live’ seminars, using videoconferencing software, are all comprised of small groups of roughly the same size.
Please be aware, there is no danger that you will be stuck paying for a course that you cannot attend. If it turns out that none of the seminar time-slots are convenient for you, please let us know and we will be happy to refund the price of the course in full.
A certificate of attendance is available upon request if you have attended at least 80% of the course.
Timetable Michaelmas Term 2020
| Day of week and time | Date of first class | Date of final class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENROL | To be decided with students | Week commencing Monday 19 October 2020 | Week commencing Monday 30 November 2020 |
Enrolment Information
For Learners with an Oxford University SSO (Single Sign-On) simply click on the enrol button next to the class that you wish to join.
For Learners without an Oxford University SSO, or who are not members of the University, please email admin@lang.ox.ac.uk with the following details:
- Full name
- Email address and phone number
- The name of the course you wish to study
- The start date and time of the course
- Your connection to Oxford University, if any (to determine course fee)
We will then provisionally enrol you onto the course and send you a link to the Oxford University Online Store for payment. Once payment is received we will confirm your place on the course.
Course structure
- Taught in weeks 2-8 of term
- Number of online seminars per week: 1
- Length of online class: 1.5 - 2 hours
- Individual feedback and one to one tutor support is available
