Written communication: Process and Practice

The course provides an introduction to theoretical approaches to written communication: How are texts developed? How do we use texts to make meaning? How are we influenced by texts? The course also provides practical training in developing, describing and analyzing texts in various contexts.

KNOWLEDGE:
The student
• Has developed an understanding of written communication as social activity which is related to learning, social relations, culture and development of identity
• Has basic knowledge about central subjects, theories, research questions, processes and tools of current writing research, and understands writing processes as complex processes
• Has basic knowledge about the development of writing research and understands the relationship between different perspectives on writing and their consequences for teaching of writing and education policy
• Has basic knowledge about features that make a text coherent
• Understands the role of the written language in society, and how writing can support learning processes, development of ideas and competence i various contexts

SKILLS
The student:
• Is able to make use of the tools in the discipline in order to analyze texts as interaction in different social and cultural contexts
• Is able to develop a discipline-related text based on an assigned theme or question
• Is able to develop a text on his/her own and in co-operation with other students and is able to give and receive/use feedback on drafts

Lectures and practice sessions. Compulsory assignments must be approved before the student is allowed to take the written examination. In special cases, a student can apply to the department for permission to take a home examination.