how to write a term paper englisches seminar 2

Chair of English Literature and Culture

How to write a term paper, submission deadlines.

Submission deadline for all term papers written for seminars held during the summer term: 1st September

Submission deadline for all term papers written for seminars held during the winter term: 15th March

Note on Plagiarism

When you plagiarise someone’s work you present his/her ideas and research as your own without acknowledging your source. For instance, when you copy & paste a sentence from an online article or when you summarize some ideas presented in a monograph from the library without quoting your sources you’re committing plagiarism. When you steal someone else’s work, you’re committing a disciplinary offence and you’re violating the principle of academic honesty. These actions can lead to your expulsion from the seminar and – in very serious cases – to your exmatriculation. Avoiding plagiarism requires compliance with good academic practice in source use and citation – and this applies to all aspects of your studies, including to the researching and writing of academic presentations and to the researching and writing of term papers.

Declaration of Authorship

Please print and sign a Declaration of Authorship .

Working with Secondary Sources

An important part of a successful presentation or a convincing term paper is your informed use of academic secondary sources to provide background information on critical debates or historical contexts, to present the opinions of established critics in the field or to introduce theoretical concepts. Secondary sources are scholarly monographs, essay collections, journal articles and reliable, academic internet databases; i.e. you must never quote from Wikipedia or a random blog on modernist poetry. If you’re unsure if a specific source satisfies academic standards just get in touch with your lecturer and ask.

Over the course of your studies you will learn to become an independent literary scholar and to engage critically with secondary sources. This means that you will learn not just to draw on secondary sources to provide historical context or to explain a theoretical point: instead, will learn actively to engage with other critics’ arguments. This entails explaining how your argument differs from/expands on/refines/etc. other critics’ arguments.

For more information on researching, writing, and formatting your term paper and on citing secondary sources please refer to the Stylesheet !

Researching Secondary Sources

Use the MLA online bibliography. It is a huge database compiling not all but the majority of books and journal articles published in the humanities. You can access the database through the central library’s website (there is a link to “Datenbanken” on the homepage). Once you have opened the MLA’s search interface, you can enter one or several keywords pertaining to what you are looking for. These keywords could be authors, primary or secondary works, concepts etc. You will then see a list of titles connected to your search words. Keep in mind that even though your keywords might pop up in one of these texts, you still have to decide whether they might be helpful for your research. The MLA database is useful both for getting a quick overview of what has already been written on your respective topic and for deciding which titles to read in more detail. Often, when you click on one of the titles, you have access to an abstract summarizing the text, or sometimes even the full text.

The MLA online bibliography is linked to the University’s central library, Universitätsbibliothek Passau, and allows you to check right away if the source is available in Passau. If a source you need should not be available at the central library, you can order it via interlibrary loan. For books, this service is free. Requesting a copy of an article via interlibrary loan may incur a fee, usually € 1,50. Interlibrary loans give you access to millions of books and journals that belong to the holdings of universities all over Germany.

In addition to the MLA online bibliography, you may use the online bibliographies provided by JSTOR or Google Scholar. JSTOR works similarly to the MLA online bibliography. It can also be accessed via the central library and in many cases offers the option to directly download journal articles. Google Scholar is a search engine freely available on the internet, usually without access to full texts. Google Scholar mostly identifies scholarly texts but you should be aware that some sources may not be as academically rigorous as those identified through the MLA bibliography or JSTOR. While you should therefore be extra careful in selecting your sources from Google Scholar, this search engine often finds resources the other bibliographies have missed.

Documenting Your Sources

You need to document your sources in two different ways:

• in-text citations (in the body of your paper)
• citation in the List of Works Cited at the end of your paper

Please use the parenthetical system of documentation as explained in the MLA Handbook (for a short overview see the stylesheet (there’s a link in the upper right corner of this page).

Some Strategies for Finding a Topic

- Identify ideas or issues that were raised in class but that class discussion didn’t explore in detail

- Focus on formal features that interest you: recurring motifs; genre conventions and their subversion; character development / character constellation

- Focus on thematic concerns of the text that seem particularly interesting to you (e.g. the representation of the relationship between monarch and subjects; sibling relationhips; mental pathologies; the portrayal of urban or rural space, … – whichever thematic facet of the text strikes you as worthy of further exploration can be turned into the kernel of your term paper)

- Does your text contain aspects that could be usefully illuminated by the application of terms and concepts from critical theory (e.g., hybridity / mimicry / gender performance, performativity / heteroglossia / the uncanny / habitus / ideology…)?

- Compare two texts which engage with the same problem or share concerns

How to Structure a Term Paper

Introduction.

The introduction is the first section of your term paper. It presents the reader with a clear idea of the general topic of your paper; it also lays out the specific thesis / main argument that you will develop. The thesis has to be clearly stated, ideally in one sentence :

In this paper I will argue THESIS STATEMENT. I will demonstrate YOUR THESIS by discussing issues 1, 2 and 3.

Optional: Section on Historical Context / Theoretical Concepts

If the topic of your essay is informed by historical circumstances / theoretical concepts, it will be useful to include a section at the beginning that provides a brief introduction to the historical or theoretical context of your argument. Remember that the main focus of your paper needs to consist of your reading of the text, not of a summary of secondary literature and/or historical context. Don’t include information that has no bearing on your argument as developed in subsequent sections.

(Feel free to rename this section according to the focus of your term paper)

A division into sections can help to clarify the structure of your argument. You may give your sections subheadings but avoid any subheadings beyond this, otherwise you risk losing the coherence of your overall argument. Each individual section is made up of paragraphs, each of which should present one idea.

The conclusion is the last section of your paper. It summarises your initial thesis and indicates how the evidence presented in your main part has contributed to your analysis. While you should not introduce completely new material in your conclusion, you should briefly reflect on the larger implications of your argument and its significance. For instance, you could briefly discuss how your analysis connects to larger issues of the text or a larger critical debate.

Note on Language

Several aspects of your writing, from clarity to choice of words, will affect the quality of your paper and the extent to which your reader is able to follow your line of thought. Use an academic register that helps you to state your arguments in a scholarly, non-judgemental manner. While your opinions are valuable in the analytic process, the writing itself should be evidence-based and not opinionated or personal. It is generally advised that you re-read your papers before submitting them. If you stumble across certain phrases or find it difficult to follow the argumentation, your reader will probably have the same difficulties. By stating your points clearly and providing smooth transitions between paragraphs, you help your reader to follow your overall line of argumentation. In the end, this will make your argumentation more convincing.

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Guide to writing Seminar Papers

Getting started.

1. Before you begin the assignment, consider how much time you will need to complete the work. For a term paper of 10 to 20 pages you will require about one month to collect enough material from libraries and other sources. If you have time constraints you should take at least one week to research and write the paper, however the more time you allow yourself, the better your result will be.

Organisation is especially important in getting the best results out of the limited time that you have to complete the assignment. Write a short schedule to help you keep track of the time limit: list the days you have left and what times you can work on the paper. You need time to visit your university library, and maybe other local libraries, to make notes on your research, write an outline, write a first draft and also to revise your paper before handing it in. Think about the best time for you to work, if you prefer daytime, try to avoid late nights; if you work better at night, avoid early mornings. Remember to organise your other responsibilities, like other courses or your job, as well as social commitments so that enough time is left for you to work on the assignment.

2. It is important to begin your research by finding a clear hypothesis. This is the question which you will propose to answer in your term paper. Some lecturers will need to approve your hypothesis before you may begin research. Here are some tips on formulating your ideas:

       - Keep your hypothesis question simple: you don't need to research a huge and complex subject area.

                - Make your question specific: your research will be easier if you focus on a narrower rather than broader topic. Help yourself by rewriting the hypothesis until you have a more focussed idea.

                - Think about how your idea can realistically work: ask your lecturer if the hypothesis is suitable for the assignment you have been given. Check in your university library or on the internet to see if there is sufficient material available on your chosen subject. If you find too little, try to rephrase your idea in a way that it can be supported by the existing literature.

3. Take time to familiarise yourself with the libraries that you will use. Each library has its own system for reference materials and you may encounter differences in computer catalogue systems and borrowing rules. Talk to the staff to get a better idea about how and where to start your research. If you a working towards a deadline, you need all the time you have and should not waste it in trying to find the relevant materials.

  Taking Notes         1. You may find using note cards makes it easier to keep track of sources and materials you have used. Use different coloured cards to distinguish between the different sub-categories within your main hypothesis and argument.

                        2. Make sure you write down the authors' names, page numbers for quotes and Chapters used at the top of each card. Also write down all the reference information you will later need for your bibliography, such as the year a book or journal was published or website addresses and the dates you viewed them - websites are regularly updated and the information may change over a short period of time. This will help you identify footnotes and citations and make typing the references easier when you come to finalising your paper.

                        3. You can also write quotes on the note cards, try to be as accurate as possible when you write down statistics and direct quotes. Be sure to check for errors when you're finished before you hand in your paper.

        4. It is useful to have a number of pertinent quotes in your final paper, but keep in mind that  no more than 10-15% of your finished paper should be quotations. Try to choose quotes that sum up an idea in a concise and precise way. You can then explain the idea and how it fits into your argument. Outline This is an important step in the writing process. Your paper will be better if you begin with a clear outline from which you can expand your argument. The argument you use will attempt to prove or disprove your original hypothesis by answering the question. 1. Write your introduction at the top of your outline. The introduction is a paragraph describing your hypothesis question and the line of argumentation you will take to answer it. Check your sources when writing your introduction so that it matches the information that you have researched for the paper.

  2. Underneath the introduction you should write the first main heading and then a list of the main points for the first paragraph. Then the next main heading and similarly the list of main points you will discuss. After you have completed the basic structure of you paper, remember to add a conclusion to your outline where you can later make a statement about your findings and your arguments used in the paper. 3.   Here the note cards can be used to illustrate your argument and give specific examples or quotes to support your ideas. Here is an example of how an introduction should look:

Introduction :

Expand your thesis here . It should be concise and definite. Try not to begin with your own opinion but make a statement that leads the reader into the topic and your   discussion. For example, if you were to write a paper on the economic factors involved in World War II, you might start like this: Germany's involvement in WW II was predicated by the purposeful dismantling of the country's economic power by the Allied Nations.

Main Headings : This is where you begin to answer the questions you posed in your introduction. Systematically go over each resonant point in your argument. If you are writing a historical paper, you might begin with the background and history of your material. E.g. Germany's post-war economy.

Sub Headings : Here, you break down your Main Heading into smaller paragraphs of information. Each paragraph should have clear, well thought out points. e.g. Production.

One important idea that you want to convey in your paragraph can be introduced at this point. Here you can also write summary points directly from your note cards. Example: Manufacturing of exports.

Then you can include another piece of information you want to make sure you cover. Example: Reisling Company's profits down 65%% by 1937.

Finally, an interesting fact or idea you think is useful in making your point. Example: The co-owner, Max Heinrich, was later a Nazi conspirator. Follow this method for each paragraph, including the conclusion. Your Conclusion should be a final synopsis of the paper; a summary of the hypothesis and the answers or results you identified in trying to answer this question. When you edit your outline, make sure each point is clearly made and that the flow of the paper works to make a convincing case as well as a logical argument. When you have completed your outline you should have covered all the main points that you addressed in your hypothesis. Rough Draft

Write your first draft as freely as possible, following your outline closely. Use all the notecard information you feel is relevant and important. Don't pad your paper with excessive quotes. When you've finished the rough draft, check for accuracy and completeness of facts. If you think certain sections are too long or too skimpy, rework them until you feel they're the strongest you can make them. Final Draft

Revise paragraphs to check that they make sense and connect well to other parts of the whole paper. Your argument should be consistent from the beginning to the end.

Re-write any passages that seem out of place or strange compared to the rest of  your work. Edit your sentences to make your ideas sound clear and simple, take notice of structure, grammar and punctuation. Use a dictionary to check your spelling and usage and use the spell check when you have typed your assignment. Ask someone else to read your paper or read it out loud to yourself to hear if it makes sense and the ideas flow well together.

Footnotes and Bibliography

Here are some examples of how to write references in your bibliography

Books (one or more authors) Take the information from the title page and the reverse of the title page: Adams, A. D. 1906. Electric transmission of water power . New York : McGraw

Books (edited ) Write ed. or eds. after the editor's name(s):   Crandell, K.A. ed. 1999. The Evolution of HIV . Baltimore : Johns Hopkins Press

Books (electronic) McRobbie, A. 1998. British fashion design: rag trade or image industry? [online]. London : Routledge. [Accessed 31 May 2006]. Available from WorldWide Web: < http://leeds.etailer.dpsl.net/Home/html/moreinfo.asp?isbn=0203168011 >

Chapters in edited books Use the title page and reverse title page of the book and the chapter heading itself: Coffin, J.M. 1999. Molecular Biology of HIV. In : K.A. Crandell, ed. The Evolutionof HIV, Baltimore : Johns Hopkins Press, pp.2-10.

E.U. legislation Council Regulation (EC) No. 2078/2 of 30 June 1992 on agricultural productionmethods compatible with the requirements of the protection of theenvironment and the maintenance of the countryside

Foreign Language Material Reference the exact text used, in the same style as you would reference English language material. Foucault, M. 1971. L'archéologie du savoir . Paris: NRF/Gallimard

Interview Schaie, K. 1993. [Personal communication]. 18 April

Journal article Use the title page of the journal volume or issue and the article: Walker, J R. 1998. Citing serials: online serial publications and citationsystems. Serials-Librarian, 33 (3/4), pp.343-356.

Note: Use p. to reference a singe page, and pp. if it is a range of pages.

Journal article(electronic) Use information from the web site and the article: Royall, C.P., B.L.Thiel, and A.M. Donald, 2001. Radiation damage of water inenvironmental scanning electron microscopy. Journal of Microscopy [online]. 204 (3), [Accessed 9th May 2002], p.185. Available from World Wide Web: < http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/ >

Newspaper article Webster, B. 2006. New speed camera puts more drivers in the frame. Times , 24May, p.1

Organisation report   NSPCC. (Unpublished, 1988) NSPCC submission to the Home Office AdvisoryGroup on the admissibility of video recorded interviews . Report datedSeptember 1988

Theses and dissertations

  Use the title page of the thesis: Gill, M.R. 1997 . The relationship between the physical properties of humanarticular cartilage and tissue biochemistry and ultrastructure . Ph.D. thesis,University of Leeds.

Unpublished documents If unsure of the date, make a sensible guess and use a question mark: Fendell, R. 1985? Training and management for primary healthcare . Unpublished.

Website with author Take the information from the webpage itself or the associated homepage - use the title bar and the credits at the bottom of the page, your own date of viewing the page and insert the words [online] and Available from World Wide Web: Hawking, S. 2000. Professor Stephen Hawking's website [online]. [Accessed9th May 2002]. Available from World Wide Web: < http://www.hawking.org.uk/home/hindex.html >

List your authors and sources in alphabetical order according to the last name of the author.

                  Visit these online sources for more hints on writing and  referencing styles.

http://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/200201/training/218/references_and_citations_explained

http://www.csuohio.edu/academic/writingcenter/writproc.html

http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/instruct/guides/citations.html

Final Words When you've finished the paper, take some time for yourself before you re-read it. Make sure your quotes and citations are accurate; keep your note cards. Take a minute and congratulate yourself, unless you're already late for class.

By George Mason University

From the website:

http://www.academictips.org/acad/atipsforwritingresearchpaper.html

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