Scientific Journal of KubSAU

The article analyses the difficulties brought about by the introduction into the curricula of many Russian universities a new educational practice – Academic Writing in English. The difficulties are grouped into the following categories: the ones which are rooted in the old Soviet-Russian lingua - didactic tradition of teaching foreign languages; the ones which are connected with a low level of prestige of research work among students and some of their teachers; the ones which are specific to a particular educational establishment, and as the survey reveals, they are mostly caused by the complicated nature of the subject Academic Writing. The algorithm of action suggested for the syllabus design includes the analysis of objective and subjective difficulties; analysis of the needs of the target audience; and the introduction into the teaching process specifically designed for the course materials. Survey results prove that following the algorithm has significantly raised the students’ level of satisfaction with the difficult course. The measures, aiming to improve the course, have facilitated the attainment of the course goal, saving time and effort for students and their teachers