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English - Writing Academic Research Papers C2

Module SZ0406

This Module is offered by TUM Language Center.

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Module version of SS 2022 (current)

There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.

Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.

available module versions
SS 2022WS 2015/6WS 2012/3

Basic Information

SZ0406 is a semester module in language at Bachelor’s level and Master’s level which is offered every semester.

This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.

  • Catalogue of language courses as soft-skill courses
Total workloadContact hoursCredits (ECTS)
90 h 30 h 3 CP

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

This is a process writing course during which students will study effective organization of written academic English incorporating discourse markers, topic sentences, and good paragraphing; study effective use of rhetorical structures appropriate to academic English: e.g. theme and rheme, nominalisation, use of passive, as well as register and style appropriate to target audience; and choose a topic commensurate with their interests/area of study and produce an abstract, a presentation and an academic research paper with the support of peers and tutor.

Learning Outcome

no info

Preconditions

Ability to begin work at at least the C1 level of the GER as evidenced by a score in the range of 60 – 80 percent on the placement test at www.moodle.tum.de. (Please check current announcements as the exact percentages may vary each semester.)

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

Learning and Teaching Methods

Students will:
a) Research a topic and gather information pertinent to a self-chosen thesis/research question
b) Prepare a presentation outlining their chosen research question or thesis which they will have to defend orally
c) Work on their chosen topic with tutor support and regular tutorials
The tutor will:
a) Give short input presentations with accompanying language based activities (pair work, group work) at the beginning of each sessions in the first half of the course
b) Give regular tutorial support

Media

Powerpoint presentations (student and lecturer generated); Audio and visual recordings from a variety of sources; printed handouts.

Literature

Handouts and selected extracts from published sources will be used in the course. Key literature will be advised by the teacher and/ or listed in the course description.

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

Performance, testing the learning outcomes specified in the module description, is examined by a cumulative portfolio of competence and action-oriented tasks. These include a 350-word abstract for an academic research paper (15%); a 15-minute oral “academic-conference-style” presentation of research and findings (35%); and complete an academic research paper of up to 5,000 words including references (APA/MLA style, 50%), in which they demonstrate an ability to critically engage in academic discourse, making use of rhetorical devices and conventions appropriate for their audience. The major assignment is based on multiple iterations of the academic research paper on which critical feedback has been given by the instructor.
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