PRINCIPLES OF ACADEMIC WRITING
SGS 801*/0.5
ARE YOU A GRADUATE STUDENT REQUIRED TO WRITE A THESIS OR LONG PAPER?
Principles of Academic Writing is an interdisciplinary graduate course focusing on topics relevant to preparing and composing a thesis:
Evening lectures are complemented by workshops on specific areas of grammar and composition and by presentations by guest speakers.
There is no charge to students for this course, but permission of the instructor is necessary and enrolment is limited. Applicants must obtain an Academic Change Form from their department, have it signed by their supervisor, and take it to the Writing Centre in Stauffer Library for the instructor’s signature.
Instructor
Dr. Rosalind Malcolm
613-549-2778
malcolmr@queensu.ca
Teaching Assistant
Dr. Sheelagh Frame
frames@queensu.ca
2012 Syllabus, Sections A and B (click here)
Required Texts
The Craft of Research, 3rd edition
Booth, Colomb and Williams, University of Chicago Press, 2003.
Recommended
The Little, Brown, Essential Handbook for Writers, latest edition
Addison Wesley Longman
Course Outline
As explained in the calendar of the School of Graduate Studies and Researh, SGS801 focuses on effective writing "in reference to theses and other major project reports."
Two features distinguish this course: the diversity of those enrolled and the opportunity for small-group instruction in writing. In other words, you can expect to learn from the
varied experiences of your fellow graduate students, as well as from close collaboration with the instructor and teaching assistants.
Sections normally meet for two hours. The syllabus indicates a central topic for each class meeting, along with relevant pages from the textbooks. During the second hour most evenings,
we also break into groups for a discussion/workshop on some matter of effective writing or language use.
While the workload outside of class will not be great, you are expected to complete a series of four writing assignments and to work in small groups on an oral presentation.
Gaining credit for this pass/fail course depends upon timely completion of all assignments. Attendance and class participation will also be taken into account in assigning a grade.
Exercise 1, Section A, due Tuesday, January 24
Exercise 1, Section B, due Thursday, January 26
Writing Exercise 2, due February 14 and February 16
Writing Sample: "Consuming Myths"
Writing Exercise 3, due March 13 and March 15
You may find the Writing Centre's online handouts on various aspects of academic writing a useful resource.
For further information, contact:
Dr. Rosalind Malcolm
The Writing Centre
(613) 533-6315
malcolmr@queensu.ca