Academic Writing: How to Compose a Seminar Paper, Research Article or Thesis

This course is for bachelor and master students across the University who want to work towards completing a longer academic text such as a research article, a thesis or a seminar paper.

This academic writing course is most suitable for students who have started their research and are already writing a paper to submit to a supervisor or publisher. The course follows the write – review – revise cycle to nurture productive writing strategies and ensure quality output. It combines the following components to help you turn your own concepts and/or data into a solid draft or a readable manuscript.

Instruction by the lecturer
During input sessions, the lecturer familiarizes you with the structural and language-related requirements for each section of your research output. You are introduced to templates, style guides and digital writing resources and supported in adapting them to your discipline.

Structured and regular text production
Throughout the course you are motivated to grow your text by regularly writing parts according to goals and milestones you set for yourself.

Feedback from peers and the lecturer
Feedback sessions with peers and the lecturer develop your ability to formulate and receive constructive written and oral comments that improve the quality of texts and steer them towards completion.

The total break time will be 30 minutes per session.

Should the progression of the pandemic allow it, classes will again be offered on site.

Course information

Course level
C1
20 Lessons
Lecturer
Riana Paola, PhD
Credit points
2 ECTS
Registration deadline
Thursday 07.10.2021
Course fee
Students and PhD candidates: CHF 243.00
Members of staff: CHF 483.00
Alumni: CHF 483.00
Alumni FHNW: CHF 483.00

Course materials

Script

Requirements

Active participation is assumed.

In order to receive the credit points, participants will

  • not be absent at all (inevitable absences must be compensated in consultation with the lecturer),
  • submit four satisfactory written assignments (if an assignment is unsatisfactory, it may be resubmitted once),
  • read and participate actively in the discussion of other course participants’ texts.

You can get a total of 2 credit points.

Participants are assessed by means of a portfolio (pass/fail).

Homework

± 180 minutes / week

Certificate of attendance

Active participation is assumed. In order to receive a certificate of attendance (available on request) for this course, you are not allowed to be absent at all.

Placement test

To gain entry to this course, participants must submit a writing sample on at least level C1. You will receive instructions in this regard shortly after registration.

Replacement date

The supplementary replacement date for lessons that might not take place is: 4 December 2021 from 10:00 - 16:00.

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