Academic Writing and Reading

About Academic Writing and Reading

University Introductory Academic Writing & Reading Audio with Commentary for Accessibility and Learning.

Publisher

Bulent Akman

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Sept 2024

Latest episode

27 Mar 2025

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Mar 2025

   Questions to Sources Chp. 5 The Craft of Research

   Source: Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The craft of research. University of Chicago press, 2009. Episode Notes: keywords research, academic writing, source types, libraries, internet research, source evaluation, primary data, secondary sources, research ethics summary This conversation provides a comprehensive overview of academic research, focusing on the importance of planning, understanding different types of sources, navigating modern libraries, and evaluating the reliability of information. It emphasizes the role of librarians, the use of the internet, and the ethical considerations when conducting research involving people. takeaways: Develop a systematic plan for research to avoid aimless browsing. Understand the three types of sources: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Libraries are crucial for accessing reliable information and resources. Engage with librarians for expert guidance in research. Use reference works to shape your research efforts. Explore online databases for specialized resources. Evaluate sources for relevance and reliability before use. Consider the human element in research by engaging with people. Look beyond standard sources to enrich your analysis. Adhere to ethical standards when conducting research involving people. Sound Bites "Primary sources are original materials." "Libraries are more essential than ever." "People can be sources of primary data." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Research Planning 02:12 Understanding Source Types 12:09 Navigating the Modern Library 14:42 Effective Library Search Strategies 21:29 Finding Specific Sources 28:26 Effective Research Techniques 31:56 Navigating Online Resources 38:03 Evaluating Source Credibility 53:28 Expanding Research Horizons 56:54 Utilizing Human Resources in Research

2. 

   18 Mar 2025

   Forsbakk: Baldwin Genre Analysis Excerpt

   Source (https://ntnuopen.ntnu.no/ntnu-xmlui/bitstream/handle/11250/2781906/no.ntnu:inspera:55998679:20806127.pdf?sequence=1): Forsbakk, Anja Liberg. "“THEY FUCK YOU UP YOUR MUM AND DAD”: A study of family dynamics and genre in the work of James Baldwin." Master's thesis, NTNU, 2020. Keywords James Baldwin, parenting, family dynamics, literature, father-son relationships, race, masculinity, American literature, intersectionality, violence Summary This conversation delves into the themes of parenthood and family dynamics in the works of James Baldwin, exploring how his personal experiences shaped his literary narratives. It highlights the complexity of Baldwin's characters, the implications of father-son relationships, and the intersection of race and masculinity in his stories. The discussion emphasizes Baldwin's enduring relevance in contemporary literature and social discourse. Takeaways Baldwin's exploration of childhood experiences is profound. The impact of parental relationships is a recurring theme. Baldwin's characters reflect his own complexities. Intersectionality is key to understanding Baldwin's work. Family dynamics often mirror Baldwin's personal life. Father-son relationships are central to Baldwin's narratives. Baldwin critiques the violence inherent in patriarchal structures. Race and masculinity are intricately linked in Baldwin's stories. Baldwin's writing transcends his own experiences. The legacy of Baldwin's work continues to resonate today. Exploring Parenthood in Baldwin's Literature The Influence of Baldwin's Life on His Writing Complex Characters: Baldwin's Unique Perspective "The child is father to the man." "They fuck you up, your mom and dad." "Baldwin's writings are having a moment." "The issue of family is a prominent theme." "John senses that his father hates him." "Baldwin writes about the father-son relationship." "Patriarchy is linked to power over others." Sound Bites "The child is father to the man." "They fuck you up, your mom and dad." "Baldwin's writings are having a moment." "The issue of family is a prominent theme." "John senses that his father hates him." "Baldwin writes about the father-son relationship." "Patriarchy is linked to power over others." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Baldwin's Exploration of Parenthood 02:52 Baldwin's Life and Its Influence on His Work 06:10 The Complexity of Baldwin's Characters 08:55 Family Dynamics in Baldwin's Stories 12:07 Father-Son Relationships and Their Implications 14:56 The Role of Paternity in Baldwin's Narratives 17:53 Violence and Power Dynamics in Fatherhood 21:07 The Intersection of Race and Masculinity 24:00 The Legacy of Patriarchy in Baldwin's Work 26:58 Conclusion: Baldwin's Enduring Relevance

3. 

   11 Mar 2025

   Reaching Towards the Reader: Beth Tillman on James Baldwin Notes of a Native Son

   Source: " Tillman, Beth. "Reaching toward the Reader: James Baldwin’s Voice in “Notes of a Native Son”." James Baldwin Review 8, no. 1 (2022): 129-146. Keywords James Baldwin, authorial voice, racism, emotional evolution, father-son relationships, rhetorical techniques, empathy, academic writing, literary analysis, personal reflection Summary This conversation delves into the intricate analysis of James Baldwin's essay 'Notes of a Native Son,' exploring the evolution of his narratives, the rhetorical techniques he employs, and the profound emotional journey of the narrator. It highlights Baldwin's ability to humanize complex themes such as racism and familial relationships, ultimately leading to insights on acceptance and the destructive nature of hatred. Takeaways Baldwin's voice is essential to understanding his themes. The evolution of Baldwin's narratives reflects personal growth. Rhetorical techniques enhance the emotional impact of his writing. Interpersonal dynamics are crucial in Baldwin's work. Father-son relationships are complex and nuanced. Racism profoundly affects personal identity and relationships. Humor serves as a tool to address serious themes. Empathy is a recurring motif in Baldwin's narratives. The climax of emotional conflict is pivotal in the narrative. Baldwin's insights on hatred and acceptance resonate deeply. Memorable Quotes "Baldwin's voice is transformative." "The restaurant scene is a nightmare." "Hatred destroys the hater." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Baldwin's Voice 02:10 The Evolution of Baldwin's Narratives 05:53 Rhetorical Techniques in Baldwin's Writing 09:58 Intimacy and Emotional Evolution 13:34 The Complexity of Father-Son Relationships 16:44 The Impact of Racism on Identity 20:50 Narrative Techniques and Reader Engagement 24:50 Empathy and Understanding in Baldwin's Work 28:44 Concluding Thoughts on Baldwin's Legacy 40:01 The Weight of Racism 52:55 The Burden of Hatred 58:02 The Funeral and Forgiveness 01:14:30 Reflections on Loss and Legacy 01:21:39 Hope and Acceptance

4. 

   3 Mar 2025

   Essay: Notes of a Native Son - James Baldwin

   Source: Baldwin, James. Notes of a native son. Beacon Press, 2012. James Baldwin on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PjGzpVTrOEw?si=--X7BRj8vvucKF9N

5. 

   7 Nov 2024

   Argumentation: Logic, Emotion, Credibility; Induction, Deduction; Fact, Opinion, Toulmin, Popper

   Another long episode, 2 hours. TL;DR is below: Argumentation in academic terms is a formal process that uses logical, emotional, and ethical appeals to persuade an audience, which may be skeptical, sympathetic, neutral, or hostile. Deduction follows the structure of a syllogism, where a major premise and a minor premise logically lead to a conclusion that must be accepted if both premises are true. Induction uses an informal structure where evidence supports a hypothesis. This hypothesis can be confirmed to a high degree of certainty based on the evidence but cannot be proven absolutely. sources: Kirszner, Laurie G. and Stephen R. Mandell, Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide, Brief Edition, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015, 437-461. Popper, Karl R. "Science as falsification." Conjectures and refutations 1, no. 1963 (1963): 33-39.

6. 

   5 Nov 2024

   Invention: Subject to Topic to Thesis

   Source: Kirszner, Laurie G. and Stephen R. Mandell, Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide, Brief Edition, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015, 65-86. This is another long episode. A highly condensed summary of essential information below: Subjects are general areas of focus, while topics are specific aspects within those subjects. To narrow our focus, we choose a topic within our subject, such as examining pencils through their historical impact or modern manufacturing methods. A thesis is a clear, focused opinion on a topic, guiding the argument. A thesis statement includes the thesis, main supporting points, and a roadmap of the paper’s structure. An introductory paragraph usually concludes with the thesis statement, following a structure that may include a hook, counterargument, support, and the paper’s structure.

7. 

   21 Oct 2024

   Claiming an Education

   Source: Rich, Adrienne. "Claiming an Education." The Common Woman 1977. Accessed January 29, 2024. https://www.yorku.ca/cvandaal/files/ClaimingAnEducation.pdf. Additional Reading: Rich, Adrienne. *On Lies, Secrets, and Silence*. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1995. Cited in Maria Popova. “Adrienne Rich on Why Education is Something You Claim, Not Something You Get.” The Marginalian, May 21, 2014. https://www.themarginalian.org/2014/05/21/claiming-an-education-adrienne-rich-1977-commencement/.

8. 

   17 Oct 2024

   Comparing and Contrasting

   Because this episode is over one hour long, the following is a brief summary of chapter 11. Source: Kirszner, Laurie G. and Stephen R. Mandell, Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide, Brief Edition, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015, 321-372. Essays may compare two subjects or contrast two subjects but most often do both. Shorter papers may use a subject-by-subject structure with little risk of disorienting the reader. Longer papers tend to use a point-by-point structure so the reader is not obliged to navigate between pages to understand the arguments being made. Transition paragraphs are necessary to guide readers when moving from one subject to another. Topic sentences begin each paragraph and limit the scope of what is discussed to one topic within specific terms and should directly relate to the thesis of the essay. Subjects to be comparable must have a logical basis for comparison and contrast. Subjects must be compared and contrasted by identical terms and and should be based on the same criteria or categories. The results of a comparison and contrast should be non-trivial.

9. 

   10 Oct 2024

   Democratic Education

   Source: Teach 4 Democratic Education." In Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope, 58–67. New York: Routledge, 2003.

10. 

    8 Oct 2024

    Note Taking and Commentary

    Bailey, Stephen. Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students. 5th ed. Routledge, 2018. "Unit 1.6: Finding Key Points and Note Making" 122–137.

11. 

    7 Oct 2024

    Academic Writing Basics

    Bailey, Stephen. Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students. 5th ed. Routledge, 2018. "Unit 1.4: Avoiding Plagiarism," 45–61.

12. 

    3 Oct 2024

    Avoiding Plagiarism

    Source: Bailey, Stephen. Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students. 5th ed. Routledge, 2018. "Unit 1.4: Avoiding Plagiarism," 95–108.

13. 

    26 Sept 2024

    Syllabus Academic Writing Unabridged Recording and Commentary

    An unabridged recording of the Academic Writing Syllabus for 2024/2025 at the American Studies Center of the University of Warsaw Show notes, email addresses and links: https://kampus-student2-2024.ckc.uw.edu.pl/course/view.php?id=17263 ascwritinglab@uw.edu.pl https://www.asc.uw.edu.pl/students/academic-writing/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U https://owl.purdue.edu https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/help-tools/resources.html

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