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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Advanced Academic Writing in the Humanities
Module Code TP600
School 59
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Patricia Flynn
Semester 2: Patricia Flynn
Autumn: Patricia Flynn
Module TeachersPatricia Flynn
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Repeat the module
Description

This module engages postgraduate research students in approaches to advanced academic writing in the Humanities. It includes critical structural analysis of existing texts, interpretative writing, descriptive writing in the context of texts, music, visuals, film etc. Mirroring a peer review system it takes into consideration audience, argument and voice in academic writing and examines the role and function of academic writing conventions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Write research texts clearly and authoritatively with a strong awareness of scholarly conventions
2. Revise and copy edit a document using publishing conventions
3. Understand the role of audience, argument and voice in writing and apply this to their own academic writing
4. Critically evaluate academic writing
5. Master an appropriate language to effectively discuss an artefact or phenomena under study.
6. Draw on a range of techniques to write interpretative texts



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Workshop12Workshops on academic writing
Independent Study72No Description
Assignment Completion20Completion of writing assignments
Group work15Peer-review of group members writing
Assessment Feedback6No Description
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

Learning from critical or close reading
Techniques for critical or close reading using annotation, summary, paraphrase and other relevant technique.

Structuring and developing an argument
Establishing integrity. The roots of an argument. Defending a position. Sequence and logic of ideas. The language of argument.

The role of conventions in academic writing
Selecting from appropriate academic styles. Working with primary and secondary sources. Organisational strategies for academic writers. The structure of a thesis across disciplines.

Descriptive and interpretative writing
Effective description of a process. Using analogies. Considering audience and tone. Establishing bona fides in interpretative analysis. Vivid descriptions of sources, artefacts or processes to support an argument.

The art of revision
Revising and editing using publishers' conventions. Working with multiple drafts. Peer Review. Considering audience and voice. Precision in language.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Portfolio5 disciplinary specific writing exercises/samples drawn from (1) analysis of writing [300-500words] (2) revision and copy editing (3) argumentative writing [c.1,500 words] (4) descriptive or interpretative writing [c.1,500 words], (5) final writing sample of c.3,000 words.100%n/a
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

  • Jacques Barzun & Henry F. Graff: 1970, The modern researcher, Harcourt, New York, 0-15-5625101
  • Judith Butcher: 0, Copy-editing, Cambridge University Press, 1992., 9780521400749
  • Phyllis Creme, and Mary R Lea, Writing at University – A Guide for Students, second edition. Open University Press.: 2003, Writing at University - a Guide for Students, 2nd, Open University Press,
  • Umberto Eco: 2015, How to write a thesis, MIT Press, 0262527138
  • Barbara G. Ellis: 2001, The copy-editing and headline handbook, Perseus, Cambridge, Mass., 0738204595
  • Fairbarn G., and Fairbarn, S.: 2001, Reading at University – A Guide for Students, Oxford University Press,
  • Silvia Gáliková,: 2016, Academic Writing Selected Topics in Writing an Academic Paper, Peter Lang,
  • Cathy Gerald Graff,: 2012, They say / I say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing, 2nd, Birkenstein,
  • Andy Gillet: 0, Inside Track to Writing Academic Essays. by Andy Gillett, Angela Hammond, Mary Martala-Lockett, Pearson Education, 9780273721710
  • Eric Hayot,: 2014, Elements of Academic Style: Writing for the Humanities, Columbia University Press, 978-023116801
  • Peter Levin,: 2004, Write Great Essays! Reading and Essay Writing for Undergraduates and Taught Postgraduates., Open University Press,
  • George Orwell: 0, Collected Essays Orwell, Mariner Books, 0156186233
  • Helen Sword,: 0, Stylish Academic Writing, Harvard University Press,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
ALPDPhD
ALPMMA
ALPTPhD-track
CSPDPhD
CSPMMaster of Arts
CSPTPhD-track
ELPDPhD
ELPMMA by Research
ELPTPhD-track
HGPDPhD
HGPMMA
HGPTPhD-track
LGPDPhD
LGPTPhD-track
MPALMPhil (SALIS)
MPCSMPhil (Communications)
MPELMPhil (English)
MPHGMPhil (History & Geography)
MPTPMPhil (Theology, Philosophy & Music)
TPPDPhD
TPPMMaster of Arts
TPPTPhD-track
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