Course title
アカデミックライティング入門   [Introduction to Academic Writing]
Course category	Liberal Arts and Fundamental Studies	Requirement		Credit	1
Department	Department of Biotechnology and Life Science	Year	1～4	Semester	1st
Course type	1st	Course code	020001
Instructor(s)
野間 竜男   [NOMA Tatsuo]
Facility affiliation	Organization for the Advancement of Education and Global Learning	Office	afjgxte/L1151	Email address

Course description

This course aims to develop writing skills and critical thinking in the first year students to prepare them for academic activities in university, and is designed as an introductory course in the general education curriculum. In addition to lectures, the course includes group work and exercises to share diverse thoughts, develop ideas, and practice effective writing, in learning the following contents; 1. Studying at university 2. Critical thinking: thinking process and evaluation of supporting facts 3. Basic thinking steps for finding solutions to problems 4. Data-based thinking in structuring an argument 5. Logical writing

Expected Learning

1. To enhance logical and critical thinking, and develop writing skills to communicate ideas convincingly. 2. To exercise skills required for active learning and studying Competency development: Reading comprehension skills, Effective writing skills Presentation skills, Academic Ethics

Course schedule

1　Studying at university: We will discuss how we should learn and study actively and briefly explain the required skills including critical thinking and logical writing. Critical thinking is introduced in this class to illustrate its three key points. 2　Critical thinking 1: We will learn the points to consider when determining how an argument is appropriately and convincingly supported by the supporting elements. In this class, the focus is given to a skill to distinguish facts from opinions or suggestions. 3　Critical thinking 2: This class explains how data can be used to evaluate the facts described as the supporting elements. We will also learn the appropriate use of literature and data resources and the citation methods. 4 Basic thinking steps for finding solutions to problems 1: We will discuss how critical thinking can be applied to recognize a main issue proposed by an argument and to construct a solution based on the supporting facts. 5　 Basic thinking steps for finding solutions to problems 2: Multiple snalytical methods are described so that particular analysis may be selected appropriately and critically evaluated. Data are then used to support the argument to propose a solution. 6　Logical writing 1: We will learn the criteria for writing a logically argument with a clear point and supporting facts. A chart for logical writing is introduced, and its application in preparing written assignments. 7　 Logical writing 2: We will practice logical writing to construct the argument in a clear format of “a main point, supporting facts, followed by a conclusion”, and learn about the importance of re-reading written assignments. 8 Summary: It is essential to apply logical writing and critical thinking in presentation and discussion. Suck skills and knowledge acquired in university’s academic life will be indispensable in future career.

Prerequisites

In addition to 16 hours you spend in the class and 5 hours in completing two written assignments, you are recommended to prepare for, and review, the classes spending the standard amount of time as specified by the University for each class, using the textbook and the reference books specified below.

Required Text(s) and Materials

「Critical Thinking, Logical Writing 『型』で身につける学びの土台」東京農工大学

References

「理科系の作文技術」木下是雄 「理系のための文章術入門」西出利一

Assessment/Grading

Grades are given based 70 % on the two written assignments, and 30 % on contribution during the classes.

Message from instructor(s)

Course keywords

Writing an article, Critical thinking, Logical Writing

Office hours

For questions, please come to the lecturer during breaks before or after the class

Remarks 1

Remarks 2

Related URL

Lecture Language

Japanese

Language Subject

Last update

1/8/2021 8:32:15 AM