This class gives training and practice in the presentation of prepared academic talks with feedback from the instructor and classmates. As a final project, engineering, science, humanities, and social science students will write a research paper. Business students will write one or more case studies. It includes discussion within academic interest groups, information on university requirements, and individual guidance on academic papers. Each week includes a one-hour academic lecture by a Stanford faculty member.
Lecturers come from various departments but present topics of general interest.
This provides additional practice in listening comprehension and contact with Stanford professors. In addition to the courses listed above, students in Linguistics 688 may take up to three elective courses. These are offered as sections of Linguistics 689, Special Topics in English. The course will begin with an introduction to the university's Unix computer system with a focus on the World Wide Web. Students will learn the basics of web design and develop their own website.