Schedule and Topics

WEEK ONE

Getting Started & The Abstract

We begin with introductions and discuss writing blocks. You create your writing plan and prepare to get started. Then we tackle the abstract: your road map to writing your journal paper.

WEEK TWO

Argument & Structure

We dive into the major hurdles by articulating a core argument and building structure. This week lays the foundation for the remainder of the course.

WEEK THREE

The Literature Review

Probably the most difficult section to write, we discuss how to start, organize, and conclude with your research gap and argument. We discuss the option of including a conceptual framework.

WEEK FOUR

Methods & Journal Selection

We use a list of five items to organize the methods section, making this week more formulaic than previous weeks. It's also time to select a journal.

WEEK FIVE

Findings or Results

This week is all about the evidence. What distinguishes a journal paper from a report is that the findings are a summary of the key outcomes of analysis that serve as the evidence supporting the core argument of the paper. We learn how to write up our case. 

WEEK SIX

Discussion

Like the approach in week four, we use a list of six items to organize the discussion section. The focus is on surfacing and subordinating the evidence (findings) in relation to the core argument, as well as tying it back to the literature and suggesting implications for the broader context. 

WEEK SEVEN

Opening & Closing

Like bookends, the opening and closing of a journal paper should mirror each other. We will focus on writing the conclusion this week as well as return to the opening paragraph(s) to improve balance, clarity, and voice.

WEEK EIGHT

Editing & Feedback

This week is all about editing and revision. First, we will complete a crash course on copy-editing at a line-level including grammar, syntax and language. Then, you will ask a peer or mentor to read your paper and give you feedback. 

WEEK NINE

Preparing Submission Materials

This week is all about preparing submission materials. Each journal has unique requirements for documents as well as platforms for online submission. We will talk about cover letters, formatting for tables and other graphics, supplementary materials, etc.

Note: It is not expected that you submit your paper by week ten unless you are ready--you might be waiting for feedback, continuing to revise, or just not quite ready. 

WEEK TEN

The Coveted R&R

Whether you are still revising or ready to submit your paper, it is useful at this stage to discuss what to do when you are notified by an editor that reviewers want you to revise and resubmit (R&R). This is overwhelmingly the most common pathway to publication, yet many feel overwhelmed and do not move forward. In this last week we will discuss steps to get through the R&R process as efficiently and positively as possible with the mindset that your paper will get published.