Students will learn how to analyse, critique and write academic texts, as well as how to use the Chicago Manual of Style to correctly reference the sources they use. Moreover, they will learn how to effectively use academic language and other tools to support their argument.

short lecture inputsin-class and at-home assignmentsshort presentationgroup work/peer feedback

In this course, students will learn the basics of academic writing, how to critique, assess and utilise secondary sources, and how to use the Chicago Manual of Style, 17thedition (author-date style). In addition to in-class and at-home assignments, we will focus on (academic) language exercises, peer-feedback and students’ specific writing issues and needs.

Basic writing skills and knowledge of essay structure, etc. would be helpful; however, we will do a check-in in the first session as to where everyone is at.

Please note that this is a course specifically for (first semester) GSE students.

All materials will be available on Moodle.

The final grade is an aggregate of:20% Participation – completion of assignments, partaking in class discussions, no more than one absence30% Short presentation – Each student must present a short critique of an academic article of their choice; more information can be found on Moodle and will be discussed in the first session.50% Portfolio – Each student must upload a portfolio of their collected assignments, the feedback that they received and the revised version, no later than February 29, 2024. More information in the first session.Failing one pillar of assessment results in failing the entire class.

assigned reading + exercisesstudent-directed topics (assignments)(academic) writing skills

quality and quantity of secondary sourcesuse of CMoS17structure and logic of argumentThe use of AI (e.g. ChatGPT) for completing assignments is strictly forbidden and will lead to a negative grade, removal from the class as well as a report to university leadership. There is the possibility of an individual, oral follow-up defence in order to check whether this rule is respected.