230728 Englisch: English Academic Writing II (S) (SoSe 2024)

This course is for students who already have some experience writing academic English at the university level. There will be considerable emphasis on analyzing and re-writing selected abstracts and excerpts from academic publications.

In Academic Writing II we will cover techniques used in academic English including:
- determining topic relevance when researching, selecting strong supporting detail
- analyzing (and re-writing) abstracts and excerpts from academic publications
- revision and editing techniques
- pre-writing: the organizing and structuring of information
- paraphrasing (including synonym research)

The course includes extensive in-class workshop-style exercises on advanced writing techniques which will include:
- analyzing and re-writing short texts, including abstracts from published academic papers
- correct usage of passive and active voice
- use of parallel structures, both at the sentence and paragraph levels
- participial phrases
- avoiding the use of expletives and nominatives
- advanced grammar including conditionals, correct use of perfect tenses, etc

Note that the homework is not simply conjugating verbs or learning vocabulary. Students should expect to spend between 1-2 hours each week on their writing and homework exercises.

The course will include individual one-on-one Zoom conferences with the instructor to discuss the writing and revisions of the writing assignments.

Please note that weekly participation in the (weekly) Friday class sessions is required. Students who will miss more than 3 classes should consider waiting to take this course in a future semester.

Requirements for participation, required level

Academic Writing II" teaches the university-level native-speaker approach to academic writing in English. Note: this course will take place entirely online.

Students signing up for this should have previous experience with revision, editing and rewriting texts in English. An English level of B2 is highly recommended.

** Note: a questionnaire is required to secure a place in the course.

-> After you register on the EkVV for the course, download and complete the questionnaire at https://robertcthomas.com/uni-writing-i-ii-questionnaire and send it to robert.thomas@uni-bielefeld.de.

This course requires considerable determination and you will do a lot of writing homework. Please be certain that you are prepared to do the work necessary before completing the questionnaire.

You can definitely learn to write good academic English during this semester, but you will need self-discipline and persistence. Note also that you will sometimes feel discouraged by the challenges you will encounter during the semester, so keep that in mind when considering taking this course.

A C-test (placement test) result is not required for this course.

Places in the course will be awarded based on: 1. Relevance of academic English to student's degree program and career goals 2. Number of semesters completed at the Uni towards degree 3. Sufficient English proficiency and experience.