Module: Strategies for Academic Writing

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Strategies for Academic Writing
Module Code	GS608BS
School	DCUBS
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Teresa Hogan Semester 2: Anne Sigismund Huff Autumn: Teresa Hogan
Module Teachers	Teresa Hogan Janine Bosak Anne Sigismund Huff
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

None

Description

The purpose of this module is to explore the doctoral research process from a writing perspective. During this module students will examine the literature review, the development of research questions, the nature and extent of original contribution, and skills and techniques required for doctoral level research and writing.

Learning Outcomes

1. Consider and develop the relevant skills, techniques and strategies required to undertake research and writing in their chosen field (e.g. information management).
2. Identify relevant journals and conferences of high national and international standing in their field of study.
3. Review, evaluate and synthesize the body of literature relevant to their research.
4. Develop an understanding of what constitutes a contribution to knowledge, and how to articulate and defend that contribution.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Seminars	12	Discussions based on prescribed readings and assignments
Lecture	12	Presentation and guest lectures
Assignment Completion	40	Assessed assignment (written and oral)
Independent Study	11	Readings
Directed learning	20	Specified readings
Directed learning	30	Assignment for class (for example, content analysis of a PhD thesis; review of literature and empirical articles; citation analysis
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Topic 1
The doctorate degree and criteria used to evaluate doctorate research

Topic 2
The literature review. Alternative forms (and objectives) of literature reviews.

Topic 3
Analysis the impact of prior work through the analysis of citations.

Topic 4
Developing and formulating research question(s).

Topic 5
Writing, positioning and presenting doctoral research.

Topic 6
The nature of 'original contribution(s)'. How to articulate (and claim) an 'original contribution'.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	In this assignment the students assess their doctorate studies in terms of (a) the structure, scope, focus and content of their literature review; (b) the development of a research question; and (c) the 'original contribution' of their work. Submission of approximately 1,500 words.	75%
Oral Examination	Students will present and defend key choices in the research process to date including the following: (a) research question (b) prior literature (c) research context and (d) research contribution. Presentation of approximately 20 minutes, followed by question and answers session.	25%

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Jesson, J. K, Matheson, L. and Lacey, F. M.: 2011, Doing your literature review traditional and systematic techniques, 1st Edition, Sage, London,
Philips, E. M. and Pugh D. S.: 2010, How to Get a PhD, 5th Edition, Open University Press,
Hart. C.: 1998, Doing a Literature Review, 1st Edition, Sage, London,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

ALPD	PhD
ALPM	MA
ALPT	PhD-track
AMPT	PhD-track
BSPD	PhD
BSPT	PhD-track
BTPD	PhD
BTPT	PhD-track
CSPD	PhD
ESPM	MA
GTBS	Graduate Training Visitor Program (BS)
LGPT	PhD-track
MPAL	MPhil (SALIS)
MPBS	MPhil (Business)
MPCS	MPhil (Communications)
MPEL	MPhil (English)
MPHG	MPhil (History & Geography)
MPTP	MPhil (Theology, Philosophy & Music)
NSPD	PhD
NSPT	PhD-track
PDPB	DBA
SSPT	PhD-track

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