Module Code: H6AWS
Long Title Academic Writing Skills
Title Academic Writing Skills
Module Level: LEVEL 6
EQF Level: 5
EHEA Level: Short Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Laura Costelloe
Module Author: Laura Costelloe
Departments: NCI Learning & Teaching
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Plan, draft, edit and revise a written assignment using a variety of writing strategies that can be adapted depending on the stage of the writing process.
LO2 Demonstrate effective information management skills and the ability to identify, select, evaluate and analyse information from a number of sources, including the library and online resources.
LO3 Incorporate a variety of academic sources in written assignments, using direct quotation, paraphrase and summary.
LO4 Correctly reference a variety of sources for academic writing, adhering to appropriate referencing conventions.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
The Writing Process
- Process approach to writing - Planning strategies (outlining, mindmapping) - Drafting strategies (freewriting, writing to a prompt, generative writing) - Editing strategies - Revision strategies - Structuring a paragraph - Developing appropriate vocabulary for academic writing
Information Management: identifying and assessing academic sources
- Using the library and finding relevant information - Assessing and evaluating the quality of academic sources - Gathering information relevant to a question - Accessing online resources
Using evidence in academic writing
- Direct quotation (when is it appropriate, selecting text for direct quotation) - Paraphrase - Summary - Organising information and presenting evidence in a logical and coherent manner
Harvard Referencing and building a bibliography
- Referencing and citations in academic referencing - Harvard referencing style - In-text citation and bibliography
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Portfolio % of total: 100
Assessment Date: Sem 1 End Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Students prepare a portfolio documenting and evidencing the development of academic writing skills throughout the course of the module. Indicative content [subject to change]: (i) Learner journal which documents evidence of the use of a variety of writing strategies during the writing process. Students are expected to include samples of academic writing (e.g. earlier and revised drafts) as evidence of development and use of various strategies. (ii) Samples from two academic assignments (which may have been submitted as required for other module/s on the programme) which display evidence of achievement of module learning outcomes.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Independent Learning No Description 8.5 Once per semester 0.71
Lecture No Description 2 Once per semester 0.17
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.17
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture per week 2 Once per semester 0.17
Independent Learning No Description 8.5 Once per semester 0.71
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.17
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Murray, R. and Moore, S.. (2006), The Handbook of Academic Writing: a fresh approach, Open University Press, McGraw Hill.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Creme, P. and Lea, M.R.. (2008), Writing at University: a guide for students, McGraw-Hill, Maidenhead.
  • Day, T.. (2013), Success in Academic Writing, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
  • McMillan, K. and Weyers, J.. (2014), How to Write for University: academic writing for success, Pearson, Harlow.
  • McMillan, K. and Weyers, J.D.B.. (2013), How to Cite, Reference and Avoid Plagiarism at University, Pearson, Harlow.
  • Murray, R.. (2015), Writing in Social Spaces: a social processes approach to academic writing, Routledge, London.
  • Osmond, A.. (2013), Academic Writing and Grammar for Students, Sage, London.
  • Sowton, C.. (2012), 50 Steps to Improving Your Academic Writing, Garnet Education, Reading.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Buckley, M.. (2009), 1st Cite@NCI, NCI: Dublin.
Other Resources
Discussion Note: