Język angielski na poziomie akademickim

The main goal of this outline lecture is to systematise MA students' knowledge about the properties of academic expression and research genres in English. Special emphasis is placed on the MA thesis as an academic genre.

Main Topics:

1. Introduction to EAP writing and to academic positioning.

2. Academic language.

3. MA thesis organisation models. Disciplinary specialisation.

4. Theory chapter organisation. Working with sources. Plagiarism.

5. Methodology descriptions.

6. Presenting, discussing and commenting on data, examples and quotations.

7. Introductions and conclusions.

The main goal of this outline lecture is to systematise MA students' knowledge about the properties of academic expression and research genres in English. Special emphasis is placed on the MA thesis as an academic genre.

Main Topics:

1. Introduction to EAP writing and to academic positioning.

2. Academic language.

3. MA thesis organisation models. Disciplinary specialisation.

4. Theory chapter organisation. Working with sources. Plagiarism.

5. Methodology descriptions.

6. Presenting, discussing and commenting on data, examples and quotations.

7. Introductions and conclusions.

Specific aims and priorities:

1. Consistently portray MA Thesis as an argument (i.e. as a form of an argumentative essay), rather than an expository or balanced ‘for-and-against’ essay, a compilation of citations etc.;

2. Teach academic text organisation, in accordance with recommended, widely applicable rhetorical models and in keeping with WA BA/MA thesis organisation;

3. Develop / enhance students' ability to integrate sources into their argument;

4. Alert to proper documentation of sources (WA Stylesheet and Template conformity);

5. Propagate and facilitate construction of strong and logical academic argumentation - based on properly selected and highlighted evidence;

6. Propagate and practise the use of ‘proper’ academic style - maintaining proper balance between:

a) effective use of concepts + nominalisation + objectification

b) appropriate use of evaluative language and sign-posting ("metalanguage")

c) own "voice" vis-a-vis information or evidence from external sources and / or rsearch findings

d) etc.;

7. Emphasise the role of revision in the writing of successful academic texts.

Carter, Ronald and Michael McCarthy. 2006. Cambridge grammar of English: A comprehensive guide. Spoken and written English grammar and usage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [contains a dedicated chapter on academic grammar

Hinkel, Eli. 2004. Teaching academic ESL writing. Practical techniques in vocabulary and grammar. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Hyland, Ken. 2006. English for Academic Purposes: An advanced resource book. Routledge.

Macpherson, Robin. 1994. University English. Warszawa: Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne. [a good source of rhetorical expressions and patterns]

Swales, John M. and Christine B. Feak. 2004. Academic writing for graduate students: Essential tasks and skills, Second Edition. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.

Swales, John M. and Christine B. Feak. 2000. English in today's research world: A writing guide. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.

Swales, John M. 2004. Research genres: Explorations and applications. New York: Cambridge University Press.