The AG Introduction to Academic Writing will focus on academic writing in various disciplines and therefore serve as preparation for students who will write their bachelor's thesis in the current or following semester. Students will be encouraged to critically engage with original research and recognize quality criteria for academic texts. They will also be introduced to the importance of good academic practice and the consequences of academic fraud within and outside of WU.

In the course of five interactive sessions, the following subjects will be covered:

• Literature search and reference management
• Academic texts and academic writing
• Types of academic writing
• Good Academic Practice and Plagiarism
• Knowledge Management and successful thesis writing

Adopting a broad perspective, we will look at texts, writing and good academic practice in different disciplines.

After the course students will be able to

• select relevant sources for the use in their academic text.
• apply different reading strategies (scanning, extracting relevant information, goal-directed reading, etc.).
• summarize and synthesize research outcomes using their own words.
• choose and integrate citations appropriately.
• know different reference systems and apply them appropriately.
• write critical comments, relying on substantive arguments, sound argumentation and relevant examples.
• recognize plagiarism and know how to avoid it in their own work.

Regular attendance is expected and required.

The attendance requirements are met if students are present for at least 80 % of the scheduled sessions.

Self-study and preparatory work for the sessions will be required. 

Sessions will provide input in order to support the self-study process. During the sessions you will also work in groups, which will allow us to discuss the material you prepared in more detail.

The course will be graded on a pass/fail basis. In order to pass, you will have to actively participate in the online classroom.

Three homework assignments have to be handed in on time: 

• formulation of a research question
• annotated bibliography
• summary based on several sources

In order to successfully complete the course, you will have to pass two out of three homework assignments.

For students who will write their bachelor's thesis in the current or following semester.

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IMPORTANT: The course will take place on-site.