Introduction to
Academic Style
Learning how to improve the challenge of communicating in an academic style
Introduction
Learning any new communication style can be an initially challenging experience. However, academic style should not be regarded as being something special or any more difficult to learn than any other style.
Therefore, when approaching the learning of any style, it is important to remember that all communication is just a form of storytelling to a particular audience. Indeed, the first step in learning any style of communication is to focus on the audience expectations. However, it is also necessary to understand that the audience expectations when speaking or writing in an academic style varies significantly across cultures.
Consequently, this course will examine the basic elements and conventions required when attempting to communicate effectively in an academic style based on simple practical examples. The five themes covered on this course are:
Identifying the key elements of an academic style
Exploring the contrast between an academic and more informal or professional style
Examining writing in an academic style in the context of constructing paragraphs
Evaluating practical examples of the application of academic style in different assigned tasks
Learning how to accurately apply key academic style conventions such as citations and references
The Course Aim
To develop an ability to apply academic style across all key communication experiences in the learning context
The Course Objective
By the end of this course, students should be able to apply all the key elements of academic style in relation to assigned coursework tasks.
The Key Learning Outcomes
The primary learning outcomes focus on an ability to do the following:
Identify what is meant by academic style in contrast to informal and professional alternatives
Explain the key elements of academic style in a learning context
State the relationship between academic style and demonstrating critical thinking in assigned tasks
Evaluate contrasting academic styles across cultures and manage the style requirement differences
Highlight the importance of cohesion and coherence when communicating to an audience
Incorporate appropriate conventions when communicating in an academic style such as citations and references
See also:
Presentation Skills to learn how to research, plan, design, and deliver effective presentations
Recruitment Process to learn how to successfully manage the graduate job recruitment process