The Swiss engineering master's degree

The goal of this module is to help students to further develop their knowledge and skills in academic writing and presenting through the medium of English. Students will learn what it means to write advanced academic texts and to present them to an audience in an accurate, appropriate and convincing manner. The module is divided into a writing and a speaking part.

The writing part of the module focuses on key document types students are expected to master in their academic and professional careers. Using examples and engaging students in practical exercises, the writing part particularly highlights the importance of the academic argument, analysing its structure, components and styles. It looks at how arguments can be built into bigger text blocks that form part of academic text types such as abstracts, introductions, analyses, and others.

The speaking part of the module focuses on how to prepare and deliver academic presentations. How much detail is necessary? Which sources should be referenced? What information should be included in the presentation slides? How do I create interest in the topic? In this second part of the module, the emphasis will be placed on argumentation techniques but also highlight appearance, self-confidence, clarity and orientation to the audience.

Students are encouraged to work on real writing and presentation projects in English as part of the course.

Prerequisites

English level B2 (CEFR)

Learning Objectives

At the end of the module, students are able

• to produce advanced academic texts in writing and speaking, paying attention to accuracy, argumentation and the intended target audience;
• to reflect critically on the quality of academic texts, both in speaking and writing, referring to relevant theories;
• to assess their own writing and presentation abilities, using appropriate instruments for self-assessment;
• to define pathways for future development in the area of academic writing and presenting.

Contents of Module

Academic writing

• Academic writing style (vocabulary, sentence formation, linking, etc.)
• Academic text types and their structure
• Academic publishing
• Academic argumentation
• Reader orientation in writing
• Writing as a process in applied research

Academic presenting

• Presenting as telling a story
• Visual and textual aids during presentation
• Rhetorical clarity
• Presenting in a convincing and enthusiastic manner
• Handling stage fright

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Blended learning, plenary lectures
• Self-study project work in small groups

Literature

A reader will be provided at the start of the semester.