Graduate Writing Center Workshops
Spring 2008 Workshops
The Graduate Writing Center Winter workshops will include general writing workshops on a variety of topics and tutorials on ESL writing issues. We will also hold targeted writing workshops for graduate students in the areas of Humanities & Arts, Social Sciences, and Sciences & Engineering. Additionally, we will post information about workshops being offered by the UCLA libraries. Special thanks to our campus programming partners: UCLA Library, Writing Programs, Academic Technology Services Statistical Consulting Group, Student Psychological Services, and the Career Center.
Research Workshops
EndNote
Miki Goral, College Librarian
This session offers a basic overview of the purpose, uses, and features of EndNote, a program that helps researchers manage references and produce bibliographies for projects large and small.
Monday, April 14th, 2:00-3:30pm
Location: Research Library East Electronic Classroom, room 21536 (map)
It's all about the numbers - Using Data and Statistics for Research
Libby Stephenson, Data Archivist, Institute for Social Science Research
Christine Wells, Statistical Consulting Group, UCLA Academic Technology Services
Kris Kasianovitz, YRL Librarian
Joseph Yue, YRL Librarian
Join us for a workshop on how to find and use data and statistics effectively in research papers and coursework.
Wednesday, April 16th, 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Research Library East Electronic Classroom, room 21536 (map)
Copyright and Permissions Issues: What You Need to Know to File
Sharon Farb, Associate University Librarian for Collection Management and Scholarly Communication
Angela Riggio, Head of Digital Collection Management, Digital Collections Services
This workshop will explain permissions and copyright issues related to filing theses and dissertations. It will cover how to use work that you have already published, when to obtain permissions for using works published by others, and whether using visuals requires permissions. The workshop will also offer practical advice on how to request permissions and copyright your own thesis. Please bring your questions!
Thursday, April 17th, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Location: Research Library East Electronic Classroom, Room 21536 (map)
Citation and Academic Integrity Issues
Eudora Loh, YRL Librarian
Common research and writing situations often present complex questions related to citation and paraphrasing. In support of maintaining academic integrity, this workshop will offer practical guidance for citing sources and using information ethically.
Tuesday, May 6th, 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
ARTstor Basics
Janine Henri, Architecture, Design and Digital Services Librarian
ARTstor is a digital image library with a set of tools to view, present, and manage images for research and pedagogical purposes. This workshop, geared for researchers engaged with the visual arts, architecture, humanities and social sciences, will introduce the basic features of ARTstor: searching, browsing, sorting, and displaying images, creating image groups and shared folders, and exporting images and citations.
Monday, May 12th, 2:00-4:00pm
Location: Research Library East Electronic Classroom, Room 21536
For additional workshops offered by the UCLA libraries, see their seminar page.
General Writing Workshops
Best Practices for Writing Your Master’s Thesis
Netta Avineri, Applied Linguistics & TESL
This workshop will begin with a discussion of scope, expectations, and time constraints as related to master’s theses. We will then consider writing and organizational strategies for the typical components of master’s theses in different disciplines. Lastly, we will discuss approaches to and tips for revision of the project. Students at any stage of writing are encouraged to attend.
Thursday, April 3rd, 12:00-1:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
RSVP requested. Please click here for the workshop reservation form.
Grammar, Punctuation, and Style 101:
A Refresher Workshop on All the Grammar You've Forgotten
Andrea Olinger, Applied Linguistics & TESL
Jodie Katon, Epidemiology
This workshop will review grammar, punctuation, style, and usage and strategies for proofreading your own work. The target audience is native speakers of English who feel rusty on grammar, but ESL students are welcome to attend. Topics will reflect participants' interests but will likely include parallel structure, misplaced and dangling modifiers, active and passive voice, commas, semicolons, apostrophes, who versus whom, which versus that, and tricky subject-verb agreement issues.
Wednesday, April 23rd, 3:00-5:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
How to Give an Effective Conference Presentation
Randy Fallows, Writing Programs
In this workshop, we will discuss ways of effectively presenting a paper at a conference. We will learn how to focus on important details, integrate visuals, and connect the thesis to larger concerns and issues. We will also learn how to field questions and create contacts. If you have a conference paper, bring it along.
Thursday, April 24th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Making It Clear, Making It Flow: Style and Grammar for ESL Graduate Students
Christine Holten, Writing Programs
Netta Avineri, Applied Linguistics & TESL
In this workshop, we will consider how to use language to create stylistically clear and cohesive papers, focusing specifically on grammatical, vocabulary, and structural choices. We will also work on strategies that you can use to edit your own writing for clarity and flow.
Thursday, May 1st, 12:00-1:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Citation and Academic Integrity Issues
Eudora Loh, YRL Librarian
Common research and writing situations often present complex questions related to citation and paraphrasing. In support of maintaining academic integrity, this workshop will offer practical guidance for citing sources and using information ethically.
Tuesday, May 6th, 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
How to Write a Teaching Philosophy Statement
John Taborn, Associate Director, UCLA Career Center
Jeannine Murray-Román, Comparative Literature, GWC Consultant
Teaching philosophy statements are used in applications and academic portfolios for fellowship, grants and academic jobs. This workshop presents the various components that constitute a teaching philosophy statement and explores the various approaches to how to write about your teaching. Come and learn about this early in your graduate student career!
Thursday, May 15th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Revision Workshop: Strategies for Revising Longer Texts
Marilyn Gray, Graduate Writing Center Coordinator
This workshop will be a hands-on workshop to give people ideas and strategies for how to revise longer texts, such as master's theses, dissertation chapters or proposals. Please bring a hard copy of your own work, at least 15-20 double-spaced pages (more is fine). If you would like to do some of the preparation work ahead of time, start working on a backwards outline by tagging each paragraph with a phrase describing its main point.
Thursday, May 22nd, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Inventing your Ideas: Strategies for Avoiding and Overcoming Writer's Block
Randy Fallows, Writing Programs
In this workshop we will discuss what causes writer's block and how to overcome it. We will first examine ways of eliminating psychological blocks and then look at practical heuristics that help to inspire new ideas.
Thursday, May 29th, 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Dissertation, Thesis and Proposal/Prospectus Workshops
Best Practices for Writing Your Master’s Thesis
Netta Avineri, Applied Linguistics & TESL
This workshop will begin with a discussion of scope, expectations, and time constraints as related to master’s theses. We will then consider writing and organizational strategies for the typical components of master’s theses in different disciplines. Lastly, we will discuss approaches to and tips for revision of the project. Students at any stage of writing are encouraged to attend.
Thursday, April 3rd, 12:00-1:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
RSVP requested. Please click here for the workshop reservation form.
Writing Dissertation Proposals in the Natural Sciences
Elizabeth O'Hare, Neuroscience IDP Program
This workshop will provide a content-specific overview of science dissertation proposals using the NIH NRSA grant format as a template. All of its major components will be reviewed and discussed: the background and significance section, the methodology section, and expected results and caveats section. We will cover specific writing strategies that you can use in your proposals and grant applications.
Tuesday, April 8th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
RSVP requested. Please click here for the workshop reservation form.
Strategies for Writing the Social Sciences Dissertation Proposal
Netta Avineri, Applied Linguistics & TESL
Mac Marston, Archaeology
Jessica Preece, Political Science
This workshop will give an overview of the main components of a dissertation proposal in the social sciences and cover strategies for writing the introduction, literature review, methods, and significance sections. These strategies should be adapted to your department’s and advisor’s expectations about the structure and content of your proposal. Please bring two copies of your abstract to this workshop.
Wednesday, April 9th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
RSVP requested. Please click here for the workshop reservation form.
Strategies for Writing the Humanities Dissertation Prospectus
Jeannine Murray-Román, Comparative Literature
This workshop is geared towards giving incipient prospectus writers the tools to write their prospectus over the course of two months. We will discuss literature review and argument development as well as how to turn the many different pieces of a prospectus into a coherent document. Nota bene: this is meant to be an addition to--not a substitution for--serious discussions with your advisor about what is expected of you in your home department.
Thursday, April 10th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
RSVP requested. Please click here for the workshop reservation form.
Time Management for Thesis Writers
Dr. Alan Nagamoto, Student Psychological Services
Dr. Nagamoto will present an in-depth introduction to the principles of time management and offer practical advice on how to manage time during graduate school. He will cover common pitfalls and how to overcome them. This workshop is very helpful for graduate students at the dissertation or thesis stage.
Wednesday, April 16th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Copyright and Permissions Issues: What You Need to Know to File
Sharon Farb, Associate University Librarian for Collection Management and Scholarly Communication
Angela Riggio, Head of Digital Collection Management, Digital Collections Services
This workshop will explain permissions and copyright issues related to filing theses and dissertations. It will cover how to use work that you have already published, when to obtain permissions for using works published by others, and whether using visuals requires permissions. The workshop will also offer practical advice on how to request permissions and copyright your own thesis. Please bring your questions!
Thursday, April 17, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Location: Charles E. Young Research Library East Electronic Classroom, Room 21536
Getting Started on the Dissertation: How to Get Going and Keep Going
Marilyn Gray, Graduate Writing Center Coordinator
This workshop gives an overview of organization, time management, writing process issues and writing strategies. Recommended for people working on their first chapter, but useful for all stages.
Tuesday, May 13th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Revision Workshop: Strategies for Revising Longer Texts
Marilyn Gray, Graduate Writing Center Coordinator
This workshop will be a hands-on workshop to give people ideas and strategies for how to revise longer texts, such as master's theses, dissertation chapters or proposals. Please bring a hard copy of your own work, at least 15-20 double-spaced pages (more is fine). If you would like to do some of the preparation work ahead of time, start working on a backwards outline by tagging each paragraph with a phrase describing its main point.
Thursday, May 22nd, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Humanities & Social Sciences Writing Workshops
Best Practices for Writing Your Master’s Thesis
Netta Avineri, Applied Linguistics & TESL
This workshop will begin with a discussion of scope, expectations, and time constraints as related to master’s theses. We will then consider writing and organizational strategies for the typical components of master’s theses in different disciplines. Lastly, we will discuss approaches to and tips for revision of the project. Students at any stage of writing are encouraged to attend.
Thursday, April 3rd, 12:00-1:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Strategies for Writing the Social Sciences Dissertation Proposal
Netta Avineri, Applied Linguistics & TESL
Mac Marston, Archaeology
Jessica Preece, Political Science
This workshop will give an overview of the main components of a dissertation proposal in the social sciences and cover strategies for writing the introduction, literature review, methods, and significance sections. These strategies should be adapted to your department’s and advisor’s expectations about the structure and content of your proposal. Please bring two copies of your abstract to this workshop.
Wednesday, April 9th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
RSVP requested. Please click here for the workshop reservation form.
Strategies for Writing the Humanities Dissertation Prospectus
Jeannine Murray-Román, Comparative Literature
This workshop is geared towards giving incipient prospectus writers the tools to write their prospectus over the course of two months. We will discuss literature review and argument development as well as how to turn the many different pieces of a prospectus into a coherent document. Nota bene: this is meant to be an addition to--not a substitution for--serious discussions with your advisor about what is expected of you in your home department.
Thursday, April 10th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
RSVP requested. Please click here for the workshop reservation form.
It's all about the numbers - Using Data and Statistics for Research
Libby Stephenson, Data Archivist, Institute for Social Science Research
Christine Wells, Statistical Consulting Group, UCLA Academic Technology Services
Kris Kasianovitz, YRL Librarian
Joseph Yue, YRL Librarian
Join us for a workshop on how to find and use data and statistics effectively in research papers and coursework.
Wednesday, April 16th, 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Research Library East Electronic Classroom, room 21536
How to Give an Effective Conference Presentation
Randy Fallows, Writing Programs
In this workshop, we will discuss ways of effectively presenting a paper at a conference. We will learn how to focus on important details, integrate visuals, and connect the thesis to larger concerns and issues. We will also learn how to field questions and create contacts. If you have a conference paper, bring it along.
Thursday, April 24th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
How to Turn a Dissertation Chapter into a Writing Sample or Article
Randy Fallows, Writing Programs
This workshop will focus on how to move from the rhetorical conventions of a dissertation to those of academic journals. We will discuss how to place a chapter from the dissertation into a wider academic conversation and how to find an appropriate place for publication.
Thursday, May 8th, 4-5:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
How to Write a Teaching Philosophy Statement
John Taborn, Associate Director, UCLA Career Center
Jeannine Murray-Román, Comparative Literature
Teaching philosophy statements are used in applications and academic portfolios for fellowship, grants and academic jobs. This workshop presents the various components that constitute a statement of teaching philosophy from a career perspective and explores the various approaches to how to write about your teaching. Come and learn about this early in your graduate student career!
Thursday, May 15th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Science and Engineering Writing Workshops
Best Practices for Writing Your Master’s Thesis
Netta Avineri, Applied Linguistics & TESL
This workshop will begin with a discussion of scope, expectations, and time constraints as related to master’s theses. We will then consider writing and organizational strategies for the typical components of master’s theses in different disciplines. Lastly, we will discuss approaches to and tips for revision of the project. Students at any stage of writing are encouraged to attend.
Thursday, April 3rd, 12:00-1:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Writing Dissertation Proposals in the Natural Sciences
Elizabeth O'Hare, Neuroscience IDP Program
This workshop will provide a content-specific overview of science dissertation proposals. This two-part workshop will use the NIH NRSA grant format as a template, and all of its major components will be reviewed and discussed. These include the background and significance section, the methodology section, and expected results and caveats section. We will cover specific writing strategies that you can use in your proposals and grant applications.
Tuesday, April 8th, 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center(basement level)
RSVP requested. Please click here for the workshop reservation form.
Funding Your Graduate Work: Tips and Strategies for Grant, Fellowship, and Award Applications in the Sciences
Elizabeth O'Hare, Neuroscience IDP Program
This workshop will provide an overview of funding opportunities for science graduate students at all stages of training (first year to dissertation year). The first part of the workshop will include a discussion of different funding opportunities and resources. We will also review some basic organizational and preparation strategies you can use in your applications. There will be ample time for questions.
Tuesday, April 22nd, 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Nuts and Bolts of NIH NRSA Applications
Elizabeth O'Hare, Neuroscience IDP Program
This workshop will cover the NIH NRSA application process. We will discuss ways of making this process easier and more manageable, including preparation, organization and writing strategies.
Tuesday, May 20th, 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Best Practices for Writing Scientific Articles and Article-Based Dissertations
Elizabeth O'Hare, PhD, Neuroscience IDP Program
This workshop will cover general writing principles for writing scientific articles and also give practical advice for writing an article-based dissertation in the sciences and engineering. Bring your questions!
Thursday, June 5th, 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Graduate Student Resource Center, Student Activities Center, room B11 (basement level)
ESL Workshops
Grammar Review for Graduate Students
Andrea Olinger, Applied Linguistics & TESL
Jodie Katon, Epidemiology
This workshop will review a wide range of issues from grammar and syntax. The target audience is native speakers of English who feel rusty on grammar, but ESL students are also encouraged to attend as well.
Wednesday, April 23rd, 3:00-5:00pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
Making It Clear, Making It Flow: Style and Grammar for ESL Graduate Students
Christine Holten, Writing Programs
Netta Avineri, Applied Linguistics & TESL
In this workshop, we will consider how to use language to create stylistically clear and cohesive papers, focusing specifically on grammatical, vocabulary, and structural choices. We will also work on strategies that you can use to edit your own writing for clarity and flow.
Thursday, May 1st, 12:00-1:30pm
Location: Conference Room 4, Student Activities Center (basement level)
