Academic writing
Undergraduate · English / Reading / Writing
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Academic moves
- Identify genre expectations in different fields
- Write with clear claims and hierarchical organization
- Use topic sentences and paragraph unity
- Signal stance with hedging and boosting appropriately
- Integrate figures/tables references when required
- Maintain cohesion with lexical and logical ties
Evidence and voice
- Evaluate scholarly vs popular sources
- Paraphrase accurately without patchwriting
- Quote sparingly with purposeful commentary
- Synthesize multiple sources into a literature conversation
- Avoid unsupported generalization
- Adapt voice for professors vs public audiences
Revision and presentation
- Reverse-outline drafts for structure diagnosis
- Edit for concision and readability
- Apply style guides (MLA/APA/Chicago) as assigned
- Give and use substantive peer feedback
- Manage long-paper timelines with milestones
- Deliver oral or poster versions of written work when required
Notes
Often serves STEM and social-science majors needing writing support beyond FYC.