Academic Research and Writing - Einzelansicht

- Planning a paper

- Structuring a paper

- Doing proper research

- Perusing and using: How to read texts

- Browsing and dousing: Finding reliable online sources

- Quotations and citation

- Writing an abstract

- Writing an essay

- Writing a term paper

- Writing a BA/MA thesis

- Dealing with procrastination and writer's block

This course attempts to provide students with means and tools that enable them to do scientific research before and while writing a term paper or a thesis. They will learn how to plan a paper properly, how to structure it logically, and to write it with an adequate effort. They will learn about several methods of reading, how to peruse and use texts; how to browse correctly and how to douse unreliable "sources". They will practice proper MLA-style citation, and create reading-lists and bibliographies. They will write several abstracts, essays and articles to practice and improve their skills. Last not least they will learn how to deal with procrastination and writers' block.

Mandatory Literature:

Manser, Martin and Stephen Curtis. The Penguin Writer's Manual. Penguin Reference. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 2002. Print.

Facultative Literature:

Bolker, Joan. Writing Your Dissertation in 15 Minutes a Day. A Guide to Starting, Revising, and Finishing Your Doctoral Thesis. NY: Owl Books, 1998. E-Book. For students who have problems with procrastination and writers' block. Helpful advice on how to keep going.

Fadiman, Clifton, and John S. Major. The New Lifetime Reading Plan. 5th ed. NY: Harper Perennial, 2007. Print. Splendid introduction and "appetizer": what should I definitely read? Guidance for non-readers, too.

Humphrey, Richard et al. Essential Study Skills for Bachelor/Master in English and American Studies. 4th ed. Stuttgart: Klett, 2010. Print. Basic "How to..." introduction to the chores of student life.

Macgilchrist, Felicitas. Academic Writing. Paderborn: Schöningh, 2014. Print. Introduction to academic research and writing. Free PDF download at UB possible.

Seely, John. The Oxford Guide to Effective Writing and Speaking. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2013. Print. Very practical, covers all kinds of communication in spoken and written English.

Siepmann, Dirk et al. Writing in English: A Guide for Advanced Learners. 2nd ed. UTB Schlüsselkompetenzen. Tübingen: A. Francke, 2011. Print. Covers several academic branches.

Voung, Tory. Studying English Literature. A Practical Guide. Cambridge: Cambridge UP,. 2015. Print. Very good "How-to" book for beginners.

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