Throughout the course, you will be developing the writing and research skills you need to succeed in the MTL program. One of the key learning outcomes for this Foundations course is to learn APA format. You will use it for nearly 100% of the communication you do throughout the program.
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) is the definitive guide to APA style. The companion web site, APAStyle.org offers additional material not covered in the Publication Manual. You will find it to be a useful reference.
APA Style is more aptly described as an editorial style than a writing style. Rules and guidelines in the Publication Manual govern the layout of a manuscript, the display of tables and other visual information, how to cite external references, the format for headings to organize your text, punctuation, abbreviations, and other elements contained in manuscripts.
APA Style is widely used in professional fields. All of the books and manuals published by the American Psychological Association use APA style. In addition, conferences, journals, and professionals from other fields have come to adopt APA Style. Unless your professors tell you otherwise, you should use APA style in all MTL program courses. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is the required textbook for this class and will be required throughout your time in the MTL program. To lay the foundation for your future success in the MTL program, you will spend a lot of time learning APA style this semester.
Read Chapter 2 in the Publication Manual. Pay special attention to areas you believe you are likely to have problems in and conscientiously work to avoid them in your writing. You will have many opportunities to improve your writing throughout this course.
In addition to the Publication Manual, please take a few moments to look the following writing and APA-related resources. Become familiar with them so you can return to them when you need answers to your questions about APA and the writing process. You'll probably want to bookmark these on your computer so you can return to them when you have questions.
The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University has a variety of writing resources, including an online APA Style Guide and an online workshop on APA style.
University of Maryland - University College's Effective Writing Center offers a variety of self-study lessons including their Online Guide to Writing and Research.
The APA Research Style Crib Sheet offers a concise summary of the APA Publication Manual. It will serve as a handy reminder for your APA Style questions. It's also listed among the External Links accessible from the course navigation bar.
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