Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Graduate Research School

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Writing and Reading Skills for Researchers

• Unit Code

  WRS6000

• Year

  2019

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Cecily Helen SCUTT

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Description

This unit concentrates on developing an understanding of the practice of research writing at postgraduate level. The unit focuses on critical reading and writing skills - in particular the use of evidence and argument, and how to appropriately structure research writing.

Non Standard Timetable Requirements

Lectures in this unit will alternate between Mt Lawley and Joondalup campuses.

Co-Requisite Rule

Unit is open to enrolment for students in courses J42 and J43 only.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Conceptualise research writing as a distinctive genre embodying specific research principles, reflect upon the central role of argument in these genres, and develop skills in mapping arguments in complex texts.
2. Design search strategies and distinguish appropriate source material for research thesis writing, and create effective notes and records.
3. Analyse and critically evaluate research publications, with an emphasis on methodological and logical claims, and relevance to wider research literature.
4. Analyse, synthesise, and critique bodies of literature relevant to discipline, and relate to independently initiated/planned research projects.
5. Parse structural conventions of original research writing across disciplines, and their variations, and reflect on ways to creatively engage with these conventions in theses and publications.
6. Use multiple drafting techniques to think through and create complex, persuasive research texts.
7. Create an explicit, reflective practice of structuring and editing writing, using the conventions of academic theses writing and research publication, including appropriate citation.

Unit Content

1. Understanding the distinctive attributes of research writing as both genre and practice, with an emphasis on argument.
2. Critical reading, including strategies to search for, analyse, evaluate and contextualise others research.
3. Mapping wider bodies of literature to support and justify specific research projects.
4. Understanding the various sections of research articles and theses, including introduction, literature review, methodology, results/findings, discussion and conclusions.
5. Research writing expectations at postgraduate level, including critical thinking, writing in an appropriate disciplinary voice and style, citing effectively and making claims for research work.
6. Drafting, structuring and editing techniques appropriate to high-level research writing

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECU Blackboard as well as additional ECU learning technologies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Tutorials and workshops

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

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