ARTS WRITINGWELCOME

Welcome

In essence, writing is a simple activity. However, like all ‘simple’ things, it becomes more and more complex when we try to do it well!

You can get the best start by developing a clear understanding of what a good essay looks like, and how it is achieved. This presentation is designed to get you thinking about your writing assignments before you go ahead and complete the module.

What’s different about Arts?

Arts offers a unique forum for developing your voice.

You can write in another language, for performance, as a professional writer, or you can even write fiction.

All disciplines in Arts require you to demonstrate your capacity to write in an academic manner. This is what this module will help you achieve!

But take note:

ExpectationsYour writing needs to be:

Correctly

formatted

Referenced according to your Discipline’s styleLogically sequencedCritical, but justifiably

so

Soundly arguedAware of

current

theories

Sorry? Didn’t get that?

We’ll try again.

(Psst! If you aren’t clear on your professor’s expectations, good ideas get lost in a mess of words!)

• Logically sequenced

• Well-researched and current

• Correctly formatted

• Soundly argued

• Referenced in your Discipline’s style

• Critical, but justifiably so.

Your writing needs to be:

Expectations

How do I exceed expectations?

The key risks that help you succeed are:

1. Dare to state your position

2. Dare to defend your position

3. Dare to understand and value the positions of others

4. Dare to maintain your position

Writing at a high level usually involves taking some thoughtfully constructed risks.

Can I give my opinion?

By nature, essays require the author to take a position. You will need to indicate your position by writing a ‘thesis statement’ at the beginning of each essay.

Absolutely.

Can I be creative?

Yes!

Yes!

And… YES!

Playfulness and risk-taking enable you to break new ground. Just be clear on HOW your creativity meets academic expectations.

Writers’ blockEven the best authors and academics suffer that terrible feeling of paralysis when in front of the blank page.

Why do you get writers’ block?

•Is it because you don’t know what to say?

•Are you put off by the idea of someone marking your work?

•Is the deadline looming?

For writers’ block, surrender is the best form of attack…

Who can I talk to?Take your questions to your reader!

1. Consult your unit outline – your unit coordinator usually includes essay guidelines here.

2. Consult your tutor – they know what they are expecting in your work.

3. Visit STUDYSmarter – complete this module, come to Academic Writing workshops, attend Drop-in or make a private appointment.