Details for Introduction to Academic Writing and Research

New to university studies & it all seems too hard? Worried about writing essay papers? Or where to begin researching? Or you feel confident in writing, but want to learn the skills of evaluating the masses of information we are bombarded with? This unit is for you! It will give you the tools of how to succeed in your undergraduate academic studies. It will examine how you learn, plus challenge you to think deeper, wider and more creatively. It will also encourage you in how to critically evaluate and reflect on information. Plus develop your skills in how to put it all together in an essay paper or oral presentation.

Quick Info

Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
Unit code: RES101
Credit points: 10
Total workload hours per week: 10
Number of timetabled hours per week: 3 *

* Note: Units with reduced contact hours (such as those taught in Intensive format) will have an increased assessment component.↩

The unit Introduction to Academic Writing and Research is part of the subject area Research and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This subjects aims to foster the academic skills required for undergraduate student success.

Subject Content

Identify personal learning styles
Understand the research process
Thinking creatively and critically
Acquire academic writing skills
Develop competence in academic referencing
Oral presentation skills

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, small group work, presentations, online activities

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Reflective learning journal (20%); Sample Writing pieces (40%, 2500 words accumulative); Online/In-class quizzes (30%); Oral Presentation (10%)

Prescribed Text

Grellier, J. & Goerke, V. Communication Skills Toolkit: Unlocking the Secrets of Tertiary Success. South Melbourne: Thomson/Social Science Press, 2006

Representative References

Anderson, J. & Poole, M. Assignment and thesis writing. Brisbane: John Wiley & Sons, 2001.

Browne, M. N. & Keeley, S. M. Asking the right questions: A guide to critical thinking. (9th ed.). Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 2010.

Cottrell, Stella. The Study Skills Handbook, (3^rd ed.). New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008.

Cottrell, Stella. Critical Thinking Skills: developing analysis and argument. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011.

Craswell, G. Writing for academic success. London: Sage Publications, 2007.

Creme, P. & Lea, M. R. Writing at university: A guide for students (2nd ed.). Buckingham: Open University Press, 2003

Evans, M. How to pass exams every time(2nd ed.). Oxford: How To Books, 2004

Grellier, J. & Goerke, V. Communication skills toolkit: Unlocking the secrets of tertiary success. South Melbourne: Thomson Learning, 2006.

Hay, I., Bochner, D., & Dungey, C. Making the grade: A guide to successful communication and study. Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2006.

Locke, L.F., S.J. Silverman, and W. Spirduso. Reading and understanding research. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications, 2004.

Marshall, L. & Rowland, F. A guide to learning independently. NSW: Pearson Education, 2006

McIIroy, D. Exam Success. London: Sage Essential Study Skills, 2005.

Morley-Warner, T. Academic writings is…: a guide to writing in a university context. Broadway, N.S.W.: Association for Academic Language and Learning, 2010.

Rozakis, L. Test taking strategies and study skills for the utterly confused. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Race, P. How to study: Practical tips for university students. Malden , MA : Blackwell. 2003.

Turabian, K, Student's Guide to Writing College Papers, 4^th Edition. University Of Chicago Press, 2010.

Yaghjian, L. Writing Theology Well: A Rhetoric for Theological and Biblical Writers. New York, NY: Continuum. 2006.