O.P. Jindal Global University

Introduction to Critical Reading & Research Writing

Ends soon! Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.

O.P. Jindal Global University

Introduction to Critical Reading & Research Writing

Nupur Samuel

Instructor: Nupur Samuel

Included with Coursera Plus

Ask Coursera

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Analyze academic texts by evaluating arguments, evidence, perspectives, and source credibility.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

June 2026

Assessments

12 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 12 modules in this course

The first module on reading aims to teach students how to read critically by engaging them with the strategies of close and critical reading--skimming, finding keywords, annotations, concept mapping, asking questions. It further invites students to read against the grain and look for an appropriate perspective to be able to read like writers.

What's included

9 videos6 readings1 assignment

This module will introduce students to the structure of an academic argument, how an argument can be differentiated from other kinds of writing. Rather than just stating information or describing a topic, academic writing is driven by CER (Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning) model that is claims, supported by evidence, and shaped by critical reasoning. Students will learn how authors bring in different kinds of evidence, and how their voice aids in building the argument.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment

Understanding that reading academic articles may seem challenging to students, this module aims to discuss the article through its components--its structure, transition, tone, and progression. This module will guide students through the essential components of a research article, helping them recognize and analyse the structure and purpose of each section. From understanding how to critically read titles and abstracts to identifying thesis statements, methods, and conclusions, students will develop skills for dissecting and engaging with academic texts meaningfully.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment

Dialogue and cross sectioning of the ideas characterise academic writing. This module on connections aims to discuss the process of synthesis a writer follows to build their argument. It will discuss in detail the nature of connections such as that of similarity, expansion, focused description, causality or contradiction. It will further discuss how the themes emerge out of the process of data selection and rejection across the texts.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module introduces students to academic writing, focusing on its purpose and structure. From summaries to analysis, students will be invited to move beyond description by developing skills in critical analysis using methods like close reading, interpretation, and contextualising. Students will also be introduced to common writing pitfalls and how to overcome them. The module concludes with guidance on using AI tools responsibly to support, and not replace, original thinking.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment

Students will explore how to build strong arguments through clear claims and appropriate evidence. This module explains different types of evidence—data, case studies, quotations—and their disciplinary uses. Techniques like the ICE method (Introduce, Cite, Explain) will help students present evidence effectively. The module also emphasizes balancing sourced material with original analysis to create persuasive academic writing.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module helps students enhance the clarity and flow of their academic writing by focusing on connections, structure, and the development of an academic voice. Students will begin by creating simple links between texts and progress to making complex conceptual connections. They will learn how to engage with counterarguments to strengthen their positions and how to structure paragraphs and transitions for coherence. The module also emphasizes the importance of cultivating a confident academic voice and introduces techniques for peer and self-review to improve the quality and coherence of their writing.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment

Complex academic arguments are often interdisciplinary in nature. This module introduces students to the conventions of academic writing across various disciplines. They will learn how to effectively incorporate evidence of varying kind: qualitative data, artworks or advertisements, archives, statistics etc. Students will explore visual argumentation techniques and conclude with strategies for interdisciplinary writing, where methods and sources from different academic fields are combined to address complex topics.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment

While introducing the learners to research writing, this module focuses on a crucial aspect which shapes our research: the formulation of a complex research question. This module will take the learners through the steps of arriving at a research question and acquaint them with types of research questions. The module will also help learners articulate their research questions with clarity.

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module will enable the learners’ understanding of what constitutes credible, verifiable sources in research writing. It will also demonstrate how to look for such sources and the essential research practices which will ensure the reliability of our sources. This module will also introduce the learners to the logic of citation and an in-depth understanding of how evidence makes its way in our writing via in-text and bibliographic citations. This module will help the learners develop an understanding of what constitutes plagiarism.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module focuses on a crucial aspect of research writing viz. review of literature. The module will acquaint the learner with the steps of building a review of literature, beginning with making an annotated bibliography and converting this into a coherent narrative about one’s research.

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module aims to help the learner refine their research writing by enabling them to understand how multiple kinds of evidence can be integrated in our writing and how evidence can be interpreted through some conceptual frameworks. It also Emphasises the question of locating the author’s voice in their own writing and strengthening it. The module also addresses structural aspects of an introduction and a conclusion to research writing and gives an overview of the publishing process for research scholars.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment

Instructor

Nupur Samuel
O.P. Jindal Global University
1 Course56 learners

Offered by

Explore more from Education

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Frequently asked questions