Course content

Good academic writing starts with clear argumentation. In this course, participants learn how to build a persuasive academic argument and translate it into a clear, coherent, and professional academic writing style. A distinction is made between what you want to argue and how you communicate it effectively.

The course covers, among other things:

• the basic principles of academic argumentation
• the distinction between arguments and explanations
• formulating clear positions and substantiating them with arguments and evidence
• common pitfalls in academic argumentation
• engaging critically and constructively with different perspectives
• the characteristics of an academic writing style
• the structure of an academic text
• writing clear sentences and coherent paragraphs
• improving the structure, coherence, and readability of academic texts
• common writing errors and practical writing tips

Learning objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• recognise and apply the characteristics of effective academic argumentation
• formulate a clear and well-substantiated academic position
• distinguish between arguments and explanations;critically assess the quality of academic arguments
• apply the conventions of academic writing
• structure an academic text logically and coherently
• write clear, concise, and well-constructed sentences and paragraphs
• revise their own texts to improve clarity, coherence, and readability

Course structure

The course consists of online preparation (homework) and an interactive in-person session. The online module includes short video lectures, practical examples, assignments, and additional readings. Participants work independently at their own pace. The in-person session focuses on discussing and improving participants' own academic argumentation and writing style. Completing the online preparation is mandatory, the homework must be submitted at least one week before the start date.

Course duration

Approximately 18 hours of self-study and one 8-hour in-person session.

Practical information

• Please note! Are you an externally funded PhD student or a non-university PhD student? Please discuss your participation with your supervisor first.
• You can register by clicking on the registration button on the right-hand side of this web page.
• This course is part of the Academic Skills programme for PhD candidates offered by the Dual PhD Centre.