Fachspezifisches Englisch (Level 3) (Wintersemester 2017/2018)

Lecturer: Dr. Sharon Therese Nemeth

General Information

Weekly Hours: 2
Credits: 3
Graded: yes
Enrolment Deadline: 27.10.2017
Teaching Form: Seminar
Enrolment Type: Compulsory Elective Module
Maximum number of participants: 12

Programs, Module Groups & Modules

IT-Systems Engineering MA

Professional Skills
- HPI-PSK-KO Kommunikation

Description

Scientific Writing

Course Statements:

" ... 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 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.

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.

Participants can also get personal feedback on their own writing if desired. To this end, class members are invited to submit approximately 2 pages of a recent (and typical) writing sample at the beginning of the course. This could be from, for example, a work in progress, a seminar paper or a bachelor thesis. The proofread, copyedited text will be returned during the semester.

Is there a particular writing or grammar issue you would like to focus on? Let me know this by email anytime. I will integrate the issue into course content or address it for you personally.

Examination

In-class participation, performance, and progress. A mid-term quiz and short final exam, based on points covered in the course, as well as a paraphrasing exercise.

Dates

Thursdays (9:15-10.45): Oct. 19, 26; Nov. 2, 16, 23, 30; Dec. 7; Jan. 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8

Fridays (9:15-10:45): Nov. 17 and Dec. 1, Room A-1.2

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