The Language of Research

EAP7350: The Language of Research

This is an English language course written especially for international students entering postgraduate courses where they will write a dissertation. It is designed around the topics of the philosophy and practice of research in general, in order to develop students’ proficiency in using the English language for research. It is taught by members of the research committee and is intended to engage postgraduate students in structured learning activities in their own academic disciplines in order to develop their discipline-specific English language competency. Students will learn and practice using the different writing and oral presentation styles common to research.

EAP7350 recognises that it is important for students seeking to pursue postgraduate degrees in Australian universities to gain proficiency in the language of research. They must understand research publications well enough to critically reflect upon them, which includes not only an understanding of research specific vocabulary, but also strategies for attending to subtle nuances of expression. Furthermore, postgraduate students need to be able to communicate about their own research clearly and effectively in several different research-specific genres of both written and oral communication.