ICSSR-NERC :: Workshop on Academic Writing and Publication
- Dates : 9-13 September 2013 -

ICSSR – NERC
Workshop on Academic Writing and Publication
9-13 September 2013
at the ICSSR-NERC Complex, Shillong

All academic writing, a distinct genre like several other genres, involves organising the research data, evidence and argument in accordance with the conventions of the specific discipline. And although courses on methodology of social research forms a part of the syllabi at both undergraduate and post graduate levels, most Universities in India do not train their students in academic writing, or publication, the problem shared by teachers and editors across regions and disciplines being very similar. Social science writing, despite some disciplinary differences must follow certain rules.

It is expected to have a structure, an introduction, main body and conclusion, an abstract and acknowledgements, references and appendices. This constitutes writing skills which must be taught to young researchers. They must know and learn what academic writing and publishing entails. Apart from these skills researchers must be familiarised with the publication process of journals and books as well as the ethics of research especially plagiarism.

The well known journal Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and UGC had conducted eight workshops in the Universities in the different parts of the country during 2010-2012 precisely to train young researchers as well as to share the resource material prepared by them with the senior faculty. Similar workshops, it is heartening to note are being organised by several Universities.

It is proposed to organise a 5 day workshop in Shillong on writing skills and publication process by the ICSSR for the young social science research scholars and the faculty largely from the North – East. Teachers at the level of assistant professors and associate professors, who have completed their Ph.D., and research scholars will participate in the workshop. There will be five sessions in a day each approximately of an hour and fifteen minutes. The themes for the sessions tentatively are:

Academic writing
Paper structure
Introduction
Conclusion
Abstract
Review of literature
Use of qualitative data- its presentation
Use of quantitative data- its presentation
References, notes, appendices
Plagiarism
Publication process
Critique and revision

Each session will include a discussion and will be followed by an exercise which the participants will be expected to do. Interested scholars are advised to apply in ONLINE on or before 30th July 2013.

(C.J. Thomas)
Deputy Director
ICSSR-NERC
Shillong-793 022

Apply Online