Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/lunwen-xiezuo-chujie
Embarking on the journey of academic research and thesis writing can be a daunting task, especially for undergraduate and graduate students aiming for scholarly pursuits. Fortunately, Coursera offers a wealth of resources, and one standout course that has significantly aided many is ‘Academic Writing and Research’ (论文写作初阶). This course is meticulously designed for students in the humanities and social sciences, with a particular emphasis on law, but it’s also a valuable elective for those in STEM fields.
The course’s overview promises a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental methods and general concepts of academic research. It delves into the crucial stages of thesis writing, from formulating research questions and selecting topics to structuring arguments and the actual writing process. A significant component also covers the retrieval and utilization of academic resources, including comprehensive and specialized databases.
Let’s break down the syllabus to understand the depth of knowledge imparted:
* **Introduction:** This module sets the stage, introducing general concepts of academic writing and providing an overview of electronic resources. It’s a great starting point for anyone new to scholarly writing.
* **Questioning:** The importance of asking the right questions in academic research is thoroughly explained. This section covers the process and key points of formulating effective research questions, even introducing thought experiments as a research method.
* **Topic Selection:** Choosing a viable and interesting topic is paramount. This module details the significance of topic selection and outlines three core principles for choosing a good research topic, supported by analyses of successful and less successful topic choices.
* **Planning:** ‘Planning’ (谋篇) focuses on the principles and methods of structuring a paper. It examines the strengths and weaknesses of different paper structures and introduces academic writing norms.
* **Layout:** This section delves into the principles of paper layout and structure, complementing the planning module. It also includes guidance on retrieving information from physical books.
* **Beginning and Ending:** Crafting compelling introductions and conclusions is an art. This module teaches the principles of writing effective beginnings and endings, using exemplary cases for illustration.
* **Literature Review:** Understanding and synthesizing existing research is vital. This module covers the role and methodology of literature reviews. It even offers optional modules on using specific databases like Beida Fabao and Beida Fayyi.
* **Argumentation:** The core of academic writing lies in robust argumentation. This section teaches the principles and methods of academic argumentation and includes optional training on using databases like Lexis and Heinonline.
**Recommendation:**
‘Academic Writing and Research’ is an exceptional course for anyone looking to enhance their academic writing skills. The instructors provide clear explanations and practical guidance, making complex concepts digestible. The inclusion of database usage is particularly beneficial in today’s research landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting, this course offers valuable insights and tools to produce high-quality academic work. I highly recommend it for its comprehensive coverage and practical applicability.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/lunwen-xiezuo-chujie