Module: Academic Writing & Reading

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Academic Writing & Reading
Module Code	EDU1078 (ITS: ES110)
Faculty	Policy & Professional Practice	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to reinforce the students' ability to write cohesively, develop sound arguments, develop critical analysis and engage in independent learning. It aims to promote the use of the Harvard Referencing system whilst citing, paraphrasing and listing references. The module will examine issues regarding the identification, support and implementation of measures relating to student literacy.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop sound arguments utilising material drawn from a variety of relevant and authentic sources.
2. Cite and Reference fully a wide range of material (books/ Journals/ websites etc) - from single author or multiple authors - in-text and in list of references using the Harvard Referencing system
3. Identify, refer to, and paraphrase material and use quotations from authentic key theorists and / or practitioners in the particular fields of study
4. Display compentence in writing simple, compound and complex sentences and in writing in paragraph form
5. Demonstrate accurate, appropriate correct usage of grammar and punctuation
6. Identify, support and implement key measures relating to literacy.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lecture/workshop
Independent Study	30	Independent study
Independent Study	30	Study and research
Assignment Completion	33	Sourcing material and writing
Online activity	8	one to one litercy support
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10542	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Orna Farrell	Module Teacher	Irene White, John Lalor, Sinead Lynch

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	formative assignment uses a pre-requisite for feedback and corrective development in preparation for semester 2	0%	Week 1
Assignment	Second semester assignment	100%	Week 1

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Theme 1
Introduction to Writing - Planning the assignment writing process

Theme 3
Authenticating Sources - Identification of key theorists/ practitioners in area of research

Theme 4
Harvard System of Citing and Referencing - Creating in-text citations and compiling a List of References.

Theme 5
Paraphrasing and Plagiarism

Theme 6
Critical thinking - developing a critical perspective

Theme 7
Identifying literacy issues and supporting learning with with literacy support resources

Indicative Reading List

Books:

NALA & Fingal County Council: 2006, Move with Literacy,
NALA: 2007, Supporting Family Literacy,
Cottrell, S.: 2008, The Study Skills Handbook, 3rd, Palgrave Macmillan, New York,
Cottrell, S.: 2005, Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument,
Moran, A.: 1997, Managing your own learning at university: A practical guide., University College Dublin Press., Dublin,
Redman, P.: 2006, Good Essay Writing A Social Sciences Guide (Second Edition) London Sage Publications, Third,
Creme, P. & Lea, M: 1997, Writing at university: A guide for students,
Oshima, A. & Hogue, A.: 1999, Writing Academic English, 3rd Ed. New York : Pearson Education,
Marshall, L and Rowland, F.: 1998, A Guide to Learning Independently,
Levin, P.: 2004, Write great essays: a guide to reading and essay writing for undergraduates and taught postgraduates.,
Metcalfe, M.: 2006, Reading Critically at University.,
McMillan, K and Weyers, J.: 2007, How to write essays and assignments,
Neville, C.: 2010, The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism., Second, Open University Press., McGraw Hill:,
Soles, D.: 2005, The academic essay : how to plan, draft, revise, and write essays,
Murray, R.: 2006, The handbook of academic writing: a fresh approach,
Warburton, N.: 2007, The basics of essay writing,
Rowntree, D.: 1998, Learn how to study: A realistic approach,
Oxford Dictionary: 2007, Compact Oxford Thesaurus for Students OUP,
Allen, R.: 2005, How to Write Better English, London , Penguin,
Curtis, S.: 2007, Perfect Punctuation Random House Books,
Truss, L.: 2007, Eats, Shoots and Leaves, London Profile Books,
Ott, P.: 2007, How to Manage Spelling Successfully Routledge,
Gravett, S.: 1998, Write Reports Right Way,
Ward, L., Wood, J.: 2007, English Grammar for Dummies John Wiley and Sons,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None