Information Package
baskent.edu.tr

Program of Psychology (English)

PSY103

ACADEMIC READING AND WRITING IN PSYCHOLOGY

Course Code
PSY103
Semester
First Term (Fall)
Theory+Practice
3 + 0
ECTS
5
Course TypeCompulsory Course
Course LevelBachelor's Degree
Year of Study1
SemesterFirst Term (Fall)
ECTS5
Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Can read academic texts,
  2. Can analyse and synthesize academic texts,
  3. Can search databases and library catalogues,
  4. Can write essays and laboratory reports according to the APA style.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme ComponentsNone
Course DescriptionThis course aims to equip students with basic skills required for academic reading and writing. Written communication, reading and writing are essential for academic and professional success. Students will be familiarised with different forms of academic sources and databases that they will use throughout their education and careers. They will learn note-taking and reading skills that will allow them to read different kinds of sources efficiently. They will also learn about developing and organising ideas through writing being considerate of ethical principles of writing. They will subsequently produce a piece of scientific writing.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week Introducing the course
2nd Week Types of academic sources and Database and library search
3rd Week APA Format and Citation Basics
4th Week Publishing and Ethics in Research
5th Week Note Taking Skills and Skim Reading
6th Week Reading Scientific Articles
7th Week Reading Scientific Articles
8th Week Mid-term Week (No class)
9th Week Paraphrasing Skills and Plagiarism
10th Week Empirical paper: Introduction: Formulation of hypothesis based on theory, critique of past research, rationale
11th Week Empirical paper: Methodology and Results: Description of participants, materials, procedure, SPSS analysis and results summary
12th Week Empirical paper: Discussion, Abstract and References: Comparison of current and past findings, theoretical explanation of findings, limitations, future directions
13th Week Discussing research article examples
14th Week Reading activity
15th Week Writing activity
Recommended or Required ReadingBeins, B. C., & Beins, A. M. (2020). Effective writing in psychology: Papers, posters, and presentations (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Bailey, S. (2025). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students (6th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003509264
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association 2020: the official guide to APA style (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
Hatala, M. (2017). Learn APA style: Writing in psychology and the social sciences. Greentop MO: Greentop Academic Press.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Lecture
  • Practice
  • Questions/Answers
  • Other
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 1 30
Quiz 2 30
Total(%) 60
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 60
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 40
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 1 1
Preparation for Quiz 2 11 22
Individual or group work 14 3 42
Preparation for Final exam 1 20 20
Course hours 15 3 45
Preparation for Midterm exam 1 20 20
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam 1 1 1
Homework
Total Work Load151
Total Work Load / 30 (h)5.03
ECTS Credit of the Course5
Language of InstructionEnglish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
K1 X X
K2 X X X
K3 X X X
K4
K5
K6 X X X
K7
K8 X X
K9
K10 X X
K11 X X
K12 X
K13