Two-day-course, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Feb. 19 to Feb. 20, 2024

Building 8.03 MMZ (in the basement)

This workshop focuses on the language you use when writing scientific papers. Our aim is to improve your writing by talking about conventions in the field, producing your own texts and discussing further questions which arise whilst writing.

We start by briefly discussing the content of each section of a paper (Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion). As a group we will develop guidelines that can be used when writing your own text. Next, we will look at authentic sample texts to talk about conventions of style and possibly grammar. We will pay special attention to language patterns in specific subject areas as these tend to vary.

We will use another set of texts to practice editing. Then, you will be asked to apply your skills and write short texts of your own, e.g. a project summary, a critical review and a results section. You will receive feedback on your writing style and use of language. As questions related to language use, punctuation and grammar arise, we will discuss them.

By the end of the course, you will improve your ability to write about your research and comment on other writers’ research in English. You will sharpen your editing skills and develop a sense for appropriate style in a scientific text.

To decide whether this workshop is suitable for you, please consider the following information:

Language requirements: This EFL course is designed for English speakers of other languages, i.e. non-native speakers of English who have a mid to upper range of the Common European Frame of Reference (CEFR B2 - C1). We recommend that you take our placement test on ILIAS before starting the course. If your language level is B1, the course might seem rather challenging (and go a bit fast). If your language level is C2, keep in mind that we deal with issues of grammar and syntax that might seem simple to you. (Information on how to access the test can be found below.)

Topics not covered in the workshop: This course does not cover certain related aspects of preparing scientific manuscripts, such as the submission, review and publication of a paper. We also do not cover citation styles due to the wide variety of styles and requirements for different fields of science.

Membership requirements:

To participate in this course, you must be a member of KHYS. If you are you a doctoral researcher but not a member of KHYS yet, you can register here: https://www.khys.kit.edu/english/registration_with_khys.php

Course materials will be distributed on ILIAS.

Instructions for taking the placement test and a link can be found here:
https://www.spz.kit.edu/334.php

You need an SCC account to take our placement test. If you do not have an SCC account, please contact the English Department of the Language Center (Sprachenzentrum) under englisch∂spz.kit.edu

For its members, KHYS covers the costs that incur for holding this event. If you register for a course but are not able to attend, please contact the English Department (preferably 2 weeks prior to the start of the course). We would like to assign vacant places to people on the waiting list.

Registration for this course is open until February 18, 2024.