150081 SE Research Seminar and Monitoring Class for the Master's and PhD Thesis (2018S)

Turabian essay: In the first part, students will be asked to read the first chapters of a book on academic writing, a total of about 140 pages. After this, students will write an essay (2,500 words) in which they discuss the contents of what they have read in relation to their own work and research projects. Please note that this will not be a summary, but rather a critical discussion. The essay must be submitted electronically 24 hours before class.
MA thesis grading exercise: In the second part, students will read and evaluate four actu-al MA theses that have been written as part of the EcoS program. Each thesis has to be graded numerically and verbally according to the EcoS standard (for details including a template see Moodle). The reports have to be submitted electronically 24 hours before class. During class, students will be asked to explain their evaluation.
Topic and research question: Beginning from the first unit of the seminar, students are required to think about a research topic, a research question, and a draft outline of their research project including methodology. The topic and research question (one paragraph) must be submitted via Moodle 24 hours before class.
MA thesis outline: An outline (see separate document) must be submitted electronically 24 hours before class.
The following rules apply to late submission: A delay in submission of up to 1 week will result in downgrading by one full grade. A delay in submission of up to 2 weeks will result in downgrading by two full grades, and so forth.
To adjust the workload, we will occasionally skip single units and allot this time to the preparation of the assignments. For details see the separate schedule.
Participation: Student participation in discussion is an integral part of this course. Regular participation is thus mandatory. The following rules apply: The final grade remains un-changed in the case of one absence. If you are absent for up to 2 times, the final grade will be reduced by one full grade. If you are absent for up to 3 times, the final grade will be reduced by two full grades, and so forth.