The course Introduction to Academic Writing will focus on academic writing in various disciplines and provides excellent preparation for students intending to start 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. Moreover, students will 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 topics are covered:

• Literature search and reference management
• Evaluating sources and referencing correctly
• Literature reviews
• Good Academic Practice and Plagiarism
• Knowledge Management and successful thesis writing

After completing the course students will be able to

• Conduct a targeted literature search and use reference management tools
• Know different reference systems and apply them appropriately
• Critically evaluate the credibility of sources and research findings
• Recognize the structure and logic of academic texts and assess their strengths and weaknesses
• Summarize and synthesize research outcomes using their own words
• Apply good academic practice, 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 online sessions.

If possible, please communicate absences in advance.

The course is taught in five sessions in an interactive format. It combines short lectures, in-class group work and individual assignments. Group work tasks allow students to apply key concepts directly in class and receive feedback. Homework assignments help students to connect course content to their own learning process and context.

The first session is going to be a workshop on literature search and reference management. We will then focus on different aspects of academic writing, academic integrity and thesis writing in the following sessions.

The final grade is based on a combination of group work, individual assignments, and written reflections which will add up to 100 points:

• Annotated bibliography (40 points)
• 3 Group works (10 points each/30 points)
• 3 Reflection papers (10 points each / 30 points)

Grading scale:

• 90-100 points: Sehr gut
• 80-89 points: Gut
• 20-79 points: Befriedigend
• 60-69 points: Genügend
• < 60: Nicht genügend

This course is designed for students who intend to write their bachelor's thesis in the current or following semester.

During the registration period, available places are allocated on a “first-come, first-served” basis. After the end of the registration period, the number of places will be increased and students on the waiting list will be registered depending on their study progress.

If you have a valid registration for the course, but will not participate, please deregister during the registration period in LPIS so that your place becomes available for other students.

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