What Should a Literature Review Do?
Thurs 3 Feb – 19.00
Every thesis must include a review of relevant literature. Indeed, conducting a literature review is often the first thing a PGR student is asked to do. This session discusses the purpose of this literature review and the importance of summarising, analysing and synthesising the arguments of others as a means of providing a context for your own research. It also considers some alternative models for writing and structuring a literature review chapter. Understanding your research ‘field’, and being able to guide your reader around it, are very important first steps on the road to doctoral success. This session is designed to facilitate that process.
Writing Effectively
Mon 7 Feb – 10.00
This session will consider the basic elements of effective academic writing and how they can be combined to ensure the best chance of success. Issues covered will include preparation (targeted literature reviewing, taking a ‘stance’ as an author, the creation of a writing plan or preliminary draft), the task of writing (having clear aims, order and structure, signposting, guiding the reader, drafting), writing style (the achievement of clarity and simplicity) and the need for a clear, logical and straightforward conclusion or ‘take-home’ message. The session will also provide an opportunity to discuss writing issues specific to particular disciplines or students. This session represents over a decade of academic writing experience packed into two hours, so please come along and take advantage!
Academic Publishing
Thurs 10 Feb – 10.00
This session will introduce and discuss the practicalities of academic journal publishing. Various means for choosing a target journal will be considered, as will the mechanics of writing an effective paper (including a summary of the aims of each section of an academic report). Strategies for dealing with reviewer comments will also be considered at some length and opportunity will be provided to look at the response-to-reviewer letters of experienced academics. Time will also be made available for questions.
Writing & Structuring an Effective Thesis
Thurs 10 Feb – 19.00
This session, as the name suggests, will focus on the writing - style, structure and presentation - of an effective PhD thesis. Using examples throughout, attendees will be shown how to access relevant exemplar theses in their subject area and issues covered will include the overall chapter structure, the aims and presentation of specific chapters (including the introduction, literature review, theoretical/methodological chapters, study chapters, and general discussion), and the manner in which they might or should be combined to create an effective and impactful thesis. The need to create a single ‘golden thread’ or ‘guiding narrative’ for the thesis will also be emphasised. Writing an 80-100000 word document is very difficult indeed and this session is designed to help break the task into manageable chunks
Book session/s
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