Humanities: Research Writing Basics (6-week course)

Wondering what research writing should look like? 

This course covers foundational components of research writing and is a great course to do if you are a Graduate Researcher in the Faculty of Arts, MQBS, Cognitive Sciences, Psychology or Linguistics just starting on your research journey. It is offered once per semester. It is an opportunity to meet fellow Graduate Research students from various disciplines, and to build a community of practice. Each week includes some reading and activities. *Not suitable for Graduate Diploma students. 

Class times: Tuesdays, 11am-1pm, via Zoom.

Dates: March 17, 24, 31, April 7 then April 21, 28.

Weeks 1-3 Planning 
Identifying your audience. Formulating your research question. Writing a Research Proposal. Developing critical reading strategies. Managing the Literature.
Literature Review structures. Research and thesis planning. Managing your research.
Creating effective writing habits.

Week 4-6 Structure and Language  
Academic style.structure and language. Drafting and revising. Editing work and using AI.
The submission process, what examiners look for in a thesis. Peer review, principles of feedback in Academic Research Communities of Practice.

Learning outcomes
• develop a research question thesis plan and/or chapter plan
• understand timelines for completion 
• identify a target audience
• develop strategies for critical reading
• understand how to approach a Literature Review
• understand the basic principles of academic writing, editing
• using AI as a writing tool
• value of peer feedback.

Aims  
The aim of this course is to introduce students to essential aspects of academic writing in the Humanities. Emphasis is on developing a sustainable writing practice and engaging in a community of practice. 

A Certificate of Completion is issued to students who submit all the activities at the end of the course.

If you would like more information email the facilitator.
Dr Francesca Mataraga francesca.mataraga@mq.edu.au.

Graduate Research Students