Course content

In the craft of research, writing is our most important tool. While ideas and questions can emerge from any situation or impulse, it is only through writing that we can clarify our ideas to ourselves and others, plan how to explore them, and share our findings with society. Writing is also an everyday undertaking. Numerous trivial texts (notes, summaries, e-mails, transcriptions, plans, mind maps, etc.) precede all final manuscripts. Without these treasured pieces, no research puzzle can emerge. Uses and joys notwithstanding, writing is also challenging. And if the routes ahead are unclear, writing can become painfully lonely.?

Embracing these insights, SUM4300 aims to demystify the tacit and everyday writing chores inscribed in all analytical work and help students identify a variety of writing tasks that are helpful to practice when developing their MA ideas forward and build their research proposal. Here, students will find time and space to explore the mysteries that emerge in the process from first ideas to multiple texts-in-progress, collectively and in dialogue with Centre staff. The course will also foster a constructive feedback culture. Key questions include: How can I combine course work and thesis work? How can I balance free writing and editing? How can I invite feedback, or set up interviews, before I know where I am going? What makes a text 'academic'? How to develop a doable research proposal?

Learning outcome

Competences

  • To comprehend the multiple uses of writing in the craft and presentation of academic research.

  • To create strategies for keeping your thesis process warm, share texts regularly, and comment constructively on work by peers.

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