Term Papers & Theses

Writing texts at university is a craft that can be learned by practicing it. I would like to recommend the dossier "Wissenschaft als Handwerk", which you can find on the pages of the specialist portal Soziopolis.

Anyone interested can find handouts here to learn the craft of writing step by step. On the one hand, there are tips and tricks on the typical work steps towards a text ready for submission, and on the other hand on the various formats that these texts usually have. Essays, interviews and reviews also serve to deal with special problems and tricks.

(The dossier is aimed at all people who are involved in academic writing in any way, but especially at students and doctoral candidates who are looking for suggestions and guidance, and at teachers who want to address writing in their seminars, tutorials and colloquia).

What does it mean to conceptualize and ultimately complete a written work? - One key answer is that you are not alone in this. In my courses, there are always writing workshop components that are designed to enable you to conceptualize and ultimately complete a term paper step by step. I therefore recommend that you attend the seminar sessions regularly, as we talk about conceptual questions, requirements and tricks and try out some things directly.

You are also welcome to contact me if you would like to discuss your thoughts on a written paper. Ideally, you should make an appointment for a consultation. Depending on the stage you are at, I will expect an initial or an advanced concept as a basis for discussion.

It would be good for your concept if you could discuss the social phenomenon* that you would like to investigate here. (This is the first central point for the concept - *Alternatively to a social phenomenon, the starting point for your term paper can also be a theoretical statement that you would like to critically examine. Therefore, first reconstruct the statement in question and its theoretical frame of reference as comprehensibly as possible). In addition, describe the PROBLEM you would like to address with regard to the phenomenon you are discussing (second central point). What do you want to find out and/or show? - And please also explain how you will specifically PROCEED with your research (third key point).

Ideally, you should already have conducted a systematic literature search on your field of research and identified relevant titles for yourself. However, it is not about quantity, but about ensuring that the texts you have identified contain arguments and materials that you consider to be significant for your work. If possible, you are welcome to explicitly address the relevant arguments and materials in your concept.

Write the concept in the form that suits you. I leave that up to you. If possible, however, address the three points mentioned: phenomenon - problem definition - procedure. The dossier "Wissenschaft als Handwerk" offers you the two handouts "Formulating a research question" and "Writing six-liners and developing exposés". Take a look.