2018 Spring Workshops

Strategies for Writing Literature Reviews

Tuesday, February 13, 2018, 2:00-4:00 PM, 112 Kern

Instructor: Chenchen Huang

This workshop will cover the basics of writing a literature review from start to finish. Material will be applicable both to literature reviews that are integrated into a larger research argument and to more extensive literature review articles that stand on their own. We will address how to narrow your search for sources, how to read sources critically, and how to effectively critique, analyze, and organize those sources in your literature review.

Academic Writing for Multilingual Writers

Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 2:00-4:00 PM, 112 Kern

Instructors: Chenchen Huang & Shannon Stimpson

This workshop will discuss common obstacles faced by multilingual speakers as they adapt to the conventions of academic written English. The first half of the workshop will be devoted to a discussion of citational strategies, and the second half will look at lesser discussed supporting genres (e.g. professional correspondences, memos, etc.) that multilingual speakers are reported to be challenged by as they build an academic career. Rhetorical strategies and tools will be provided to address these issues in terms of grammar, organization, and style.

The Craft of Scientific Writing

Tuesday, April 10, 2018, 2:00-4:00 PM, 112 Kern

Instructors: Shannon Stimpson & Michael Alley


Based on Michael Alley’s award-winning book, The Craft of Scientific Writing, this workshop is designed to help graduate students and professionals write about their work clearly and effectively. Using scores of examples from a wide variety of disciplines, this workshop demonstrates the differences between strong and weak writing. The workshop will cover advice on how to draft, revise, and finish documents. Although the information in this workshop draws upon Michael Alley’s work with hundreds of scientists and engineers, the materials are designed to benefit writers across disciplines in the arts, liberal arts, and social sciences.

The Craft of Scientific Writing Workshop Packet

All graduate students, regardless of disciplinary affiliation or English fluency, are welcome to enroll. Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Chenchen Huang (cxh561@psu.edu) in advance of your participation or visit.