Academic Writing for Science (Fachspezifisches Englisch III) (Sommersemester 2021)

Lecturer: Dr. Sharon Therese Nemeth

General Information

• Weekly Hours: 2
• Credits: 3
• Graded: yes
• Enrolment Deadline: 18.03.2021 - 09.04.2021
• Teaching Form: Seminar
• Enrolment Type: Compulsory Elective Module
• Course Language: English
• Maximum number of participants: 15

Programs, Module Groups & Modules

Description

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Informationen im Hinblick auf die aktuelle Corona-Krise:

Based on the content of this course, it should ideally take place face-to-face, in an onsite format. A hybrid  (or  remote) format will only then be considered if onsite meetings are not possible due to Covid-19 restrictions. (Stand: 11.3.2021)

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“Scientific writing is not a science. It does not contain laws obtained through derivations and experiments. Scientific writing is a craft. It consists of skills that are developed through study and practice. Moreover, scientific writing is not mystical. In fact, scientific writing is straightforward. Unlike other forms of writing … scientific writing has two specific goals: to inform readers and to persuade readers.”

–Michael Alley, “The Craft of Scientific Writing”
 

“Things should be made as simple as possible, but not any simpler.”

–Albert Einstein
 

Course Description:

This course aims to take the mystery out of scientific writing by teaching the skills necessary to produce a well-written paper in English. In this sense, we will concentrate on language, specifically how words and punctuation are used and how to aim for the best writing possible - centering on those qualities crucial to the positive reception of writing within the scientific community. Through close attention to written language, participants will learn what comprises clear, concise, and effective expression, and deepen this knowledge in class.

Emphasis will be placed on acquiring the skills to differentiate between strong and weak scientific writing, recognizing the essential qualities of good writing, and applying what has been learned in practical terms through coursework and in-class exercises.  We will focus on many of the typical writing problems of advanced writers of English and learn how to resolve them. At the end of the course, students should be able to edit their own writing more effectively.

Members of the course are asked to give a short presentation based on their assessment of a writing excerpt (maximum 2 pages) from a scientific text of their choice.

Learning

Based on the content of this course, it should ideally take place face-to-face, in an onsite format. A hybrid  (or  remote) format will only then be considered if onsite meetings are not possible due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Examination

The final grade will be determined as follows: 50% of the grade is based on the average of the midterm and final exams, 30% is based on participation and 20% on the presentation .

Participation in class discussions plays an important role in this course, as does holding an oral presentation and completing writing activities.

Contributions to all of the above-mentioned areas benefit the final assessment, just as a lack thereof affects the final grade on a subtractive basis.

Dates

Thursdays, 9:15 to 10:45

 

Due to extenuating circumstances, class on April 22, 2021 will unfortunately be cancelled. We will discuss an alternate date for this class at our first session, so please think about another time that would work for you. Thank you for your understanding!

Room H-E. 51/52

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