Examination arrangement

Course content

This course is based on a perspective of written communication as social action. Students work on writing processes and texts from different disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts and gain insight into the central role written communication plays in modern work life. Different writing cultures and types of text in work life and higher education are examined in their respective contexts of use, and communication challenges associated with disciplinary and interdisciplinary written communication is a key focus in the course. By working with both theoretical approaches and empirical data, students gain broad experience with and insight into writing processes, writing strategies and what makes texts accessible to different readers. Students learn how to give and receive feedback, organize writing processes and advise colleagues.

Learning outcome

Candidates who have completed this course will have acquired the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge
The candidate
- has advanced knowledge of the role writing plays in higher education and work life, and how different writing cultures are expressed and developed
- has deep insight into key communication challenges in written communication in various empirical contexts
- understands how writing processes and text work can support new ideas, learning processes and competence development within the field
Skills
The candidate
- has developed good scientific writing skills
- is capable of helping others by providing constructive feedback during writing processes and is able to make use of such feedback in their own writing
- is able to apply knowledge of quality criteria for different genres to their own writing as well as in their assessment of others

General competence
The candidate
- understands writing as social action and has insight into different genres and their functions for different readers
- is able to analyze challenges in interdisciplinary written communication and apply their insights in collaborative writing across disciplines and professions

Learning methods and activities

This course emphasizes teaching methods in which students actively participate, including various writing exercises, analysis workshops, co-writing and feedback workshops. Students work together in groups, both physically and digitally. Assignments and papers between sessions provide an opportunity for students to relate the theoretical understanding of this course to practical situations involving writing and text. By working on cases, students develop their text, writing and feedback competence by analyzing, writing and supporting others in their writing.
Students also have the opportunity to contribute as student assistants at Skrivenatt and Skrivesnakk, organized by the Centre for Academic and Professional Communication (SEKOM) and the University Library.

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory assignments
• Compulsory assignments
• Compulsory assignments

Further on evaluation

Form of assessment and grading scale:
Portfolio assessment. The portfolio consists of four products, which are assessed collectively for a final grade: a revised group assignment, a revised individual assignment, an example of written feedback given by the student, and an essay, in which the student reflects on the experiences they have gained from the course and applies theoretical and relevant concepts to reflect on their chosen topics. In the overall assessment, the individual papers carry more weight than the group paper.
In order to pass, each individual examination part must be assessed as meeting the criteria for a passing grade. In the event of a fail, all parts of the examination must be taken again.
Grading scale: A-F.


Compulsory activities:
Students work on several texts, which are developed in stages throughout the semester, both individually and in groups. The compulsory activities are:
A group paper, where students practice co-writing (2-3 pages). The group will pick a scientific concept from the syllabus, which they explain and link to specific, practical texts and usages.
An individual analysis paper (3-4 pages).
Participation in a response workshop that includes giving written and oral feedback.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Assumes admission to the Master's program in language and communication in professions