Developing Arguments in Humanistic and Qualitative Research

Did you know that one of the most common reasons journal articles are rejected is the lack of a clear, well-supported argument?

A strong argument articulates the significance of your work and ensures your research makes a meaningful contribution to your field. Yet despite its importance, crafting argument-driven manuscripts is rarely taught explicitly. Most scholars learn this skill informally or through trial and error.

That’s why I designed this course—to give you the clear framework, practical tools, and guidance you need to confidently tackle the challenges of research writing!

Introducing

Developing Arguments in Humanistic and Qualitative Research

This self-paced course is designed to help scholars like you approach argumentation more systematically. Whether you’re working on your first journal article, revising a dissertation chapter, or developing a book manuscript, this course provides strategies to write with greater clarity, purpose, and confidence.

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This course is grounded in real-world challenges scholars face, offering practical tools and examples to help you approach your writing with clarity and purpose. In this course, you’ll

  • Gain a framework for crafting strong arguments: Learn how to focus your ideas into a clear and persuasive thesis.

  • Discover tools for structuring your manuscript: Understand how to organize your argument so that every section builds on your central claim.

  • Refine your ability to showcase significance: Develop strategies to answer the critical 'So What?' question, demonstrating why your research matters.

  • Strengthen your use of evidence: Learn to effectively support your claims with data, texts, or analysis.

  • Hone your revision process: Learn how to strategically ask for feedback from the right people. 

This fully asynchronous course is designed with flexibility in mind. You’ll recieve:

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    Micro-Learning Lessons

    Clear and concise lectures that you can absorb and apply at your own pace.

  • A wooden table with a daily journal, a small photograph of a tree and mountains, a colorful postcard, and a green plant on the right side.

    Downloadable Resources

    Nearly 8,000 words of worksheets and handouts to guide you through drafting and refining your arguments.

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    Clear Examples

    The examples in this course cover a variety of disciplines, so you’ll be able to see arguments in action in many different ways.

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    Lifetime Access

    You’ll have access to the course materials for as long as the course is hosted on my platforms.

Who is this course for?

Early career scholars

Early-career researchers working on journal articles, dissertations, or books.

Graduate Students

Graduate students who are developing seminar or conference papers.

Anyone feeling the gaps

For anyone who could have used more focused training on argument development.

Modules

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    Module 1: Mindsets

    Explore strategies for developing a positive and productive mindset toward academic writing. This module offers tools to help you adopt mindsets for growth and experimentation, which are key for argument development.

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    Module 2: Arguments

    Gain practical techniques for identifying and refining the core argument of your manuscript. This module focuses on helping you clarify your main idea to create a stronger foundation for your writing.

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    Module 3: Structure

    Learn methods for organizing your ideas into a logical, coherent structure that supports your argument. This module provides tips for outlining, writing topic sentences, and creating smooth transitions between sections.

  • A person with curly hair tied back, wearing a dark short-sleeved shirt and a patterned scarf, stands outdoors with arms raised against a clear blue sky, possibly celebrating or enjoying the view.

    Module 4: Significance

    Understand how to articulate the significance of your research in a way that connects with readers. This module introduces approaches to explaining why your work matters and how it contributes to broader academic conversations.

By the end of this course, you will:

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  1. Develop a mindset that encourages argument development and experimentation.

  2. Clearly identify and understand the key components of argument structure,

  3. Confidently articulate the significance of your work and its contribution to your field, and

  4. Be able to apply these skills directly to your own research using focused handouts and worksheets.

Want to see a free preview of the course?

Take me to the course preview!

Developing Arguments in Humanistic and Qualitative Research

is now open for enrollment!

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Developing Arguments in Humanistic and Qualitative Research
$135.00
One time
$50.00
For 3 months

Gain valuable skills in academic argumentation with guidance from an experienced academic writing coach. This course offers practical insights and tools designed to help you improve your writing and develop well-supported arguments relevant to your field.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • While this course provides tools and strategies to improve your writing and strengthen your arguments—key components of a publishable manuscript—successful publication also depends on factors like journal fit, peer review, and revisions.

  • The course is self-paced, allowing you to work through the materials at your own speed. Completing all the videos, reading the handouts, and working through the worksheets will take an estimated 1 to 1.5 hours per module. However, you also have the flexibility to watch the videos first and save the worksheets and handouts for when you're actively working on a project.

  • No, the course is fully asynchronous. You’ll have access to pre-recorded video lessons, worksheets, and handouts that you can access anytime.

  • My website can accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Apple Pay. If you would like to pay using university funds and they cannot pay via credit card, then reach out to me a jenn@jennmcclearen.com.

  • You’ll have lifetime access to the course materials, meaning you can revisit the videos and resources anytime—as long as the course is hosted on my platform.

  • Yes, all resources, including worksheets and handouts, are included in the course price. These tools are designed to help you apply what you learn directly to your own work.

  • The course does not include personalized feedback on your writing, but it provides strategies for seeking feedback from peers, colleagues, and mentors. If you’re interested in additional support, I offer separate coaching and developmental editing services.

Have additional questions? Email Jenn at jenn@jennmcclearen.com