Course Structure: Academic Writing – An Introduction  – BWR110

There are 3 lessons:

1 The Fundamentals of Academic Writing

Preparing to write

• Defining the task
• Identifying expectations
• Clarifying your writing goal
• Establishing a time plan

Researching your topic

• Library and Internet
• Evaluating and selecting information

Adhering to academic conventions

• Presentation of assignments
• Essays and reports
• Referencing
• Plagiarism.

Editing and proofreading

• Check that all relevant information is included, correct, and well organised
• Check that the document reads well
• Check that the document is correct in spelling, structure, punctuation, grammar etc.

Researching your topic

• Referencing
• Referencing within the text
• Referencing at the end of the document
• Procedures
• Proposals
• Scientific Writing
• Plagiarism

Self Assessment and Assignment

2: Doing Academic Research

What Makes Research Academic?:

• What are the Rules?
• Why does Academic Research Have Special Rules?
• Who Hhas To Follow The Rules?

The Authority of Sources:

• What Is An Authoritative Source?
• What are the Primary and Secondary Sources?
• How Do You Test Your Source is Reliable

Online Research:

• What are The Most Reliable Online Sources
• Are There Any Reliable and Easily Accessible Sources?

How Do I Cite This Source?:

• Harvard Style
• Chicago Style
• Is There An In-House Style?

3: Writing an Academic Essay

What Makes An Essay Academic?:

• Academia vs Journalism and Sales-Pitch
• Theories and Facts
• Be Critical and Explain Yourself
• Introduction and Conclusion

Types of Essays:

• Argument Essay
• Description/Review Essay
• Analysis Essay
• Other Kinds of Academic Writing

Academic Writing is an excellent course for anyone working in business or preparing for higher education.

If you’re considering enrolling at University why not consider our University Preparation Writing Package which combines Academic Writing with Critical Thinking.  The combination package is designed to equip and help
pre-university students master many of the challenges that prevent them from gaining the grades they need.

Please see lesson titles for your learning goals.

Dr. Anna Fancett

PHD, University of Aberdeen, College of Arts and Social Sciences,  CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults),  Attainment of Associate Fellow status, UK Higher Education Authority.  Certificate in Audio Description Skills, Audio Description Association.  MLitt: English Literary Studies (Distinction),  MA Hons: English Literature (First Class), University of Aberdeen.

Writing & Journalism

My PhD was a time of discovery: not only did I delve into the inner workings of the novels of Jane Austen and Walter Scott, but I also began to explore the exciting world of pedagogy. Helping students reach their potential became one of my top motivators.

When I taught English language, literature, and academic skills in Saudi Arabia, Japan, China and Oman, I built on this passion, learning new techniques and perspectives to keep my teaching up-to-date and student-centred.

I have been involved in course design and implementation, as well as assessment and community engagement. Alongside teaching, I have published work in academic journals and books, textbooks, official blogs, and magazines.

In addition to my academic work, I have qualifications in audio description and English language teaching. I am also a professional traditional storyteller.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.