Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course covers the fundamentals of reading, writing and critiquing as an academic.
Hello, writers, and welcome to Fundamentals of Academic Writing!
Writing is a critical skill for navigating the world and participating in our communities, but far too often, it's one we're expected to just pick up along the way. As students and researchers, you'll produce writing for assessment activities; in your employment, you'll be expected to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of readers.
WRIT1005 sets you up for success in your university writing, focussing on hands-on, practical strategies to enhance the substance, structure and style of your academic writing.
The material presented in lectures and practiced in tutorials will enhance your understanding of and skills in research, writing and editing. You'll learn about finding and evaluating research, developing persuasive arguments, and the ethics of research. In tutorials, you'll work as a community of writers, actively developing your writing skills through interactive writing and workshopping tasks. Over the course of the semester, you'll complete short writing tasks that build towards your own academic argument, and we'll talk about how you can apply these skills in other classes. Overall, by taking this course, you'll develop the competence and confidence to reflect on your own work and continue developing as a writer throughout your studies, and your career.
Welcome, writers. We're looking forward to working with you.
Advice from previous students
I asked students who completed WRIT1005 what they wish they'd known before starting the class, and what advice they have for future students. Some of their advice is below:
- "I wish I had known that while this course would not be content-heavy, everything was designed to help me excel in the class."
- "Complete all the short writing tasks -- easy opportunities for good marks and feedback."
- "I wish I had known that it's OK if you think your writing is bad because everyone's going through the same thing. Also that the small tasks are easy to get out of the way so don't stress. And if you need help, just ask!"
- "Don't go into this course thinking you'll be alone and totally lost. It's structured so that you get regular targetted feedback -- you won't be left in the dark!"
- "I wish I had known that academic writing can be creative and inventive; it isn't just about plugging information into a set structure."ᅠ
- "Everything you will learn is worthwhile and important for future classes, even if you aren't majoring in writing - it's relevant for all disciplines."
Course requirements
Assumed background
You will need to read and analyse scholarly articles to strengthen both your critical reading and writing skills. You should also be prepared to share and discuss your own writing with your peers in your tutorial.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
WRIT1000, WRIT1001
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The full WRIT1005 timetable—which includes details about weekly topics, readingsᅠand exercises—is available on the WRIT1005 Blackboard site. You should read thisᅠ profile in conjunction with the full timetable.
The WRIT1005 Blackboard site is available for student access. Go to https://learn.uq.edu.au/webapps/login and sign in with your UQ username and password.
Aims and outcomes
The course introduces students to the crucial role of reading and writing in the academy. It addresses the purpose, design and structure of the argumentative essay, from developing research questions and carrying out research to organising your ideas and writing in a clear, compelling style.
The course is designed to develop your ability to:
- Read and write as an academic
- Summarise and critique arguments in academic writing
- Present your understanding of an argument
- Develop research questions of interest to your discipline
- Articulate an argument as an academic
- Be attuned to disciplinary differences and overlaps
- Entertain discussion in an academic context
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Systematically generate, evaluate, analyse, synthesise and organise information using problem-solving strategies
LO2.
Demonstrate an understanding of the practices and conventions of academic writing and research across a number of disciplines and cultures
LO3.
Demonstrate an ability to read texts critically and to analyse and synthesise secondary research
LO4.
Demonstrate an ability to write in the academic style of your discipline (including constructing an argument and applying a bibliographic referencing system)
LO5.
Demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon your own writing
LO6.
Demonstrate an ability to communicate appropriately and effectively in a variety of formats and situations (from note-taking, summarising and outlining through to drafting, revising and discussing)
LO7.
Demonstrate an ability to write clearly and meaningfully by revising, editing and proofreading at an advanced level
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Reflection | Writing tasks (5 x 250 words each) | 25% |
Literacy narrative 12/08/2024 4:00 pm Research summary A 19/08/2024 4:00 pm Research summary B 26/08/2024 4:00 pm Audience analysis 2/09/2024 4:00 pm Report plan 7/10/2024 4:00 pm |
Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Rhetorical analysis
|
25% |
23/09/2024 4:00 pm
Required peer review in Week 9 tutorial meeting. |
Essay/ Critique, Reflection | Development & tutorial reflection | 10% |
25/10/2024 4:00 pm
Note that this task is due on FRIDAY, not Monday like your other writing tasks for this course. We have set the deadline to Friday of Week 13 to ensure that you can reflect on the whole course, but not have an additional assessment due during the exam period. |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection |
Persuasive report
|
40% |
4/11/2024 4:00 pm
Required peer review in Week 13 tutorial meeting. |
Assessment details
Writing tasks (5 x 250 words each)
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Literacy narrative 12/08/2024 4:00 pm
Research summary A 19/08/2024 4:00 pm
Research summary B 26/08/2024 4:00 pm
Audience analysis 2/09/2024 4:00 pm
Report plan 7/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
This course has been designed to maximise your opportunity to write regularly and receive ongoing feedback on your work, which research tells us is the most effective way for you to improve your writing.
You will write and submit five small writing tasks throughout the semester. These tasks are designed to develop your writing skills sequentially, and can in most cases be revised into your larger assignments.
- Literacy narrative: an account of your development of academic or discipline-specific literacies.
- Research summary A: a summary of one source.
- Research summary B: a summary explaining the similarities and differences between two sources.
- Audience analysis: a discussion of the audience addressed by a source.
- Report plan: an outline of your goals and planned writing process for your final report.
Each writing task should be between 250 and 300 words (275±10%). You must submit your writing tasks on Blackboard via Turnitin.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please note: students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal for this assessment item. Please contact your tutor/course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard.
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Extensions are not typically available for these tasks, as they are designed to build on each other and delays in submitting one will impact your capacity to complete the next task. We may be able to accommodate extensions of up to 48 hours under some circumstances. If you anticipate not being able to submit your work on time, contact your tutor and cc the course coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your planned submission time.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In addition to the late penalty listed above, please keep in mind that we have a very short turnaround to review and provide feedback on these tasks (approximately 4 days), so late submission will typically mean that you do not receive feedback in time to apply it to the next task.
Rhetorical analysis
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
23/09/2024 4:00 pm
Required peer review in Week 9 tutorial meeting.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
You'll analyse the rhetorical strategies used in a source relevant to your topic of investigation for the semester. This assignment builds on your short writing tasks and moves you towards your final report for the class.
You will workshop a draft with a peer during your class meeting in Week 9, and you will submit a revised version to your tutor for assessment. The submitted assignment must include a completed peer review worksheet. If you are unable to attend your Week 9 tutorial meeting with a complete first draft, please contact your tutor to discuss how you can complete your assignment outside of your class meeting time.
About the deadline: This assignment is scheduled for submission on Monday of the mid-semester break. This date has been chosen to ensure that students who peer-review their assignment on Friday have time to revise after their class meeting, and to ensure that you can get the assignment off your plate early in the break and then get some rest.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit final draft via Turnitin on Blackboard.
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Development & tutorial reflection
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
25/10/2024 4:00 pm
Note that this task is due on FRIDAY, not Monday like your other writing tasks for this course. We have set the deadline to Friday of Week 13 to ensure that you can reflect on the whole course, but not have an additional assessment due during the exam period.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
We value your development as a writer, and this assignment invites you to reflect on how your writing has changed over the semester. Over the course of the semester, we believe that everyone will get better at writing through engaging in conversation about writing with your peers, completing writing tasks, and revising your work. This development will be visible in your submitted work in this and other classes. Regardless of whether you commence the class as a very novice writer or a very confident writer, you can still get better - but that development is not fully captured by assessing completed work.
In your reflection, you will be asked to assess your progress against three of the course's learning objectives. You should provide evidence of your skills and confidence when you started the class and when you finished it, and a warrant that connects your evidence (what you learnt in the class and how it shows up in your writing) to the claim you have made about your development in each area. Your evidence must include discussion of at least one in-class tutorial activity and at least one writing task you completed for this course. You can also include evidence from other writing contexts to supplement this course-specific information.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard.
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Extensions are not typically available for this task. We may be able to accommodate extensions of up to 48 hours under some circumstances, including for students whose tutorial meets on Friday (if you really really want to talk about your Week 13 tutorial rather than the ten tutorials you completed earlier!). If you anticipate not being able to submit your work on time, contact your tutor and cc the course coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your planned submission time.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Persuasive report
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
4/11/2024 4:00 pm
Required peer review in Week 13 tutorial meeting.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
You will write a persuasive report about a topic of your choice relating to the experience of university students in some way. You will discuss your research question and central arguments with your tutor and classmates throughout the semester, developing upon these ideas and research approaches.
You will workshop a draft with a peer during your class meeting in Week 13, and you will submit a revised version to your tutor for assessment. The submitted assignment must include a completed peer review worksheet. If you are unable to attend your Week 13 tutorial meeting with a complete draft, please contact your tutor to discuss how you can complete your assignment outside of your class meeting time.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit final draft via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
---|---|---|
1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ᅠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Expectations and obligations
You need to be familiar with the set readings and to actively investigate the WRIT1005 Blackboard site (log in at https://learn.uq.edu.au/webapps/login/), which you will gain access to when you enrol. You may need to be able to download, print off, and read portable document format (.pdf), document format (.doc), and rich-text format (.rtf) files from the WRIT1005 Blackboard site in advance of the weekly lectures and tutorials. You are also expected to upload assessment items to the Blackboard site. You must ensure that you have reliable access to email, and you will need to check for messages regularly. If you use a non–UQ student email account, ensure that you have set it up to receive any email sent to your student account.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Academic literacies and discourse communities What does it mean to be an effective writer in your discipline? How do we learn to write? Learning outcomes: L02 |
Tutorial |
Intros, background, goal-setting Learning outcomes: L02, L06 |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Information literacy and reading like a researcher How do researchers find and assess sources? Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Research and source assessment activities Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Summarising arguments The first step in entering an existing academic conversation is learning to restate what others have said. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Summarising and source network activities Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Writing week - no class meetings No class meetings this week due to the Ekka holiday on Wednesday 14/8. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L07 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Using sources and making connections As a researcher, you need to bring together a range of evidence and opinions -- this week, we'll cover strategies for doing so. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Tutorial |
Analysis activities Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Rhetoric and argumentation We'll discuss the fundamentals of academic argumentation, and how rhetorical approaches to writing can help us understand and compose effective arguments. Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Argument analysis activities Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Using evidence We'll discuss the principles and practices of using evidence to support YOUR goals as an emerging expert in your topic. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Evidence activities Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Asking the right questions We'll talk about identifying questions in published writing, and how to develop your own. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Tutorial |
Question-developing activities Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Giving, receiving and using feedback Academic writers participate in ongoing conversations about their work, and use others' feedback to improve their work. We'll talk about how to give, receive and act on feedback to prepare you to revise your Rhetorical Analysis Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Peer review workshop - Rhetorical Analysis (required activity) You must come to class with a COMPLETE first draft of your Rhetorical Analysis to workshop with a partner. If you have an approved extension and need to complete your peer review activity outside of your scheduled class period, please contact your tutor to discuss alternate options. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break: Relax, recuperate and recharge! Learning outcomes: L05, L07 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Genre and audience We'll discuss strategies for identifying the expectations of the audience you, as a researcher, are addressing. Learning outcomes: L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Audience identification activities Learning outcomes: L02, L06 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Writing week - no class meetings No class meetings this week due to the 7/10 King's Birthday public holiday. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L07 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Establishing exigence and organising your argument We'll discuss how to convince your audience that your ideas are worth considering, plus examine different structures for arguments and strategies for deciding which one is best for your writing. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Restructuring drafts Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L07 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Delivering your best argument Put the finishing touches on your writing with effective document design, as well proofreading and polishing strategies -- plus we'll reflect on what you've learnt and how you can apply it in future classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
Tutorial |
Peer review workshop - Final Report (required activity) Come to class with a full draft of your final report for a peer-review workshop. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Additional learning activity information
As a writing course, this class has substantial practical work which you'll undertake both in your tutorial meetings and in your own time as you draft and revise your various assignments. All tutorial activities directly connect to the skills you'll be assessed on in your assignments. Consistently attending and actively engaging in tutorial meetings allows you to practice those skills and benefit from formative feedback so that you can perform better in assignments.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.