Master-Kolloquium - Einzelansicht

A departmental colloquium designed to guide students through the process of developing, researching, and writing a successful academic thesis.

This colloquium aims to support students in the process of developing and writing their final academic papers. The course provides practical guidance for the various stages of the research and writing process, from selecting a focused research topic to completing a well-structured and well-grounded academic work. We will discuss how to choose and refine a viable research question, conduct effective searches for academic literature, and develop a coherent research plan. Participants will explore strategies for locating and evaluating scholarly sources, and situating their projects within existing academic debates. Particular attention will be given to the structure of a research proposal, the formulation of a clear argument, and the development of a coherent line of reasoning.

Moreover, the colloquium combines short readings from academic guides on preparing research proposals and structuring academic papers with practical writing sessions. Hence participants are expected to present drafts of their work, including research proposals, outlines, or selected sections of their papers. These drafts will serve as the basis for collective discussion and constructive peer feedback.

Active participation, presentation, and a willingness to share personal drafts of students' papers are required.

Students will gain practical experience in the key stages of academic research and writing. The course covers the development of a focused research question, strategies for identifying and evaluating relevant academic literature, and methods for constructing a coherent research plan. Participants will learn how to formulate clear arguments, structure academic texts, integrate secondary literature, and develop consistent lines of reasoning. Through the presentation and discussion of draft texts, students will also practice giving and receiving constructive feedback and revising their work in response to scholarly critique.

MA and Ph.D. students who are in the process of writing their final academic papers.