Academic writing of graduate students of International Relations in Perú: social representations and literacy practices

Abstract

This article analyzes and interprets the representations and practices of university academic writing in a postgraduate program at a Peruvian public institution. Methodologically, this is mixed research. Fifteen students of a master’s program in International Relations were interviewed and a questionnaire was applied. The results show that the academic is represented mainly associated with cognitive skills and normativist patterns. Among the practices, it is found that they follow routines, outlines and reading strategies to guide their writing. The article concludes that students reproduce and value the conventions and traditions of the standard variety for the professional image they project, without taking advantage of the potential of critical literacy.