Writing at the Graduate Level

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Writing at the Graduate Level

• Kevin Eric De Pew
• English 687
• June 1, 2005

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Distinguishing Expectations

• B.A. demonstrate knowledge especially ones
  ability to apply the knowledge
• M.A. show knowledge and understanding of topic
  demonstrate participation in the conversation
  conference papers
• Ph.D. should be immersed in the conversation a
  few steps away from publishable article

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Conventions of a Document

• Develop an argument even in pedagogical tools
  and research plans you will be arguing for the
  effectiveness of these proposals
• Support the argument provide both theoretical
  and practical evidence to prove your point
• Maintain organization focus
• Be professional know context

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Develop Your Argument

• Use the current debate as a foundation
• Do not repeat the same point over over
• Be capable of supporting the argument through
  multiple sources of evidence
• Apply discussion to specific context
• Acknowledge scope limitations

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Understanding the Conversation

• Research
• Conferences
• Listservs

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Joining the Conversation

• Discuss current debates related to topic
  demonstrate to your audience that you understand
  the issues being debated
• Align yourself with various theorists justify
  this decision
• You can align yourself with ideas from one
  theorist and other ideas from another theorist
  again justify this decision

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Research Where?

• Library books, journal articles, government
  documents
• Internet journal articles, organization sites,
  government documents, popular sources (e.g.,
  newspapers, magazines)
• Empirical research studies (e.g., interviews,
  observations, surveys)
• Personal experience anecdotes

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Research Finding Sources

• Use search functionskeyword searches
• ODU or other university libraries
• Search engines (Google, Yahoo, Dogpile)
• Online Bookstores (Amazon, BN)
• Use citations material in articles
• When an author refers to an idea that strikes
  you, look for the source information in
  the Works Cited
• Reference Librarians

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Using Sources

• For an academic audiences, academic sources,
  especially from a given discipline, carry the
  most weight.
• Sources such as personal experience and popular
  articles can be used. However, they work better
  as concrete examples than as the theoretical
  foundation use to illustrate the
  theory

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Getting Feedback

• Come to the instructors office hours
• Do peer reviewseven if they are not assigned
• Go to the Graduate Writing tutor