University of California, Irvine
Introduction to Research for Essay Writing

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University of California, Irvine

Introduction to Research for Essay Writing

Tamy Chapman
Helen Nam

Instructors: Tamy Chapman

128,485 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(1,143 reviews)

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(1,143 reviews)

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Plan and structure academic research papers effectively.

  • Identify and evaluate credible sources for college-level writing.

  • Master academic tone and language for research writing.

  • Properly cite sources and avoid plagiarism using MLA/APA formats.

Details to know

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Assessments

10 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Academic English: Writing Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course

In this course, you will synthesize your research and writing skills to plan your full research paper. You'll learn to structure your arguments, integrate sources effectively, and refine your academic voice. This course builds directly on your source evaluation and note-taking, preparing you for the final writing stages. By the end, you'll have a robust plan to avoid plagiarism and confidently complete your paper.

What's included

1 video1 reading

In this module, you will dive into research assignments common in American universities. You'll practice choosing compelling topics and learn to select and evaluate academic sources for reliability. These foundational steps are crucial for launching any research assignment successfully. By the end, you'll confidently identify strong research topics and credible sources.

What's included

3 videos6 readings2 assignments2 peer reviews

In this module, you will enhance your research skills by learning advanced techniques for finding sources. You'll master organizing your research through effective note-taking and learn to write an annotated bibliography, a common college assignment. By the end, you'll efficiently manage your research materials, building on your foundational source evaluation.

What's included

4 videos8 readings3 assignments2 peer reviews

In this module, you'll master the precise language essential for research papers. You'll learn to apply academic tone, effectively use statistics, and integrate words from the Academic Word List into your writing. This builds on your paper planning, ensuring your arguments are communicated clearly and persuasively. By the end, you'll confidently craft sophisticated academic prose.

What's included

4 videos9 readings2 assignments1 peer review

In this final module, you will master citing sources in your research paper. You'll review MLA and APA formats, ensuring your academic work is professionally presented. Discover online resources that simplify formatting, building on your previous research and writing skills. By the end, you'll confidently document sources, crucial for academic integrity.

What's included

3 videos9 readings3 assignments1 peer review

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Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (211 ratings)
Tamy Chapman
University of California, Irvine
22 Courses1,598,724 learners
Helen Nam
University of California, Irvine
15 Courses1,286,432 learners

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4.7

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Frequently asked questions

¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.