Course Description
This course is designed for doctoral researchers who want to enhance their writing skills, to learn how to navigate the challenges of the academic writing process and to acquire techniques to tackle common writing blockages. The course provides practical tools for planning and developing effective writing strategies, organizing support systems, and fostering a positive mindset towards writing. Participants will learn how to untangle core elements of academic writing and improve their ability to structure and complete academic texts. In addition, the workshop offers insights into scientific publishing, covering selecting appropriate publication outlets, dealing with reviewer comments, and collaborative writing dynamics. Interactive exercises will promote peer engagement, making the learning hands-on and collaborative.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Develop effective strategies to systematically plan and execute the academic writing process.
- Identify and overcome common writing obstacles through tested practices.
- Gain an understanding of the structure and demands of their target journals.
- Acquire the skills to write scientific articles efficiently and increase publication chances.
- Understand the publication process and journal expectations across different fields.
- Organize support structures to enhance their writing environment and productivity.
- Foster a positive, strategic approach to academic writing, making the process more manageable and rewarding.
Study methods
Completing the course requires active participation in the lecture and seminar as well as submitting a pre- and post-assignment.
Pre-assignment
Identify a Target Journal: Pick your favorite (or one prestigious) target journal for your research. Read 1-2 articles from the journal and summarize their structure and style in maximum one page. Pay attention to how the introduction is framed, how the argument is developed, and how the conclusion is articulated. Review also the aims and requirements of the journal and explain in maximum one page how these fits with your current article/paper project from your PhD.
Review Your Own Writing Challenges: write a brief reflection (1-2 pages) on your biggest challenges when it comes to academic writing and publishing. Please outline specific difficulties you encounter (e.g., time management, structuring ideas, or writer's block) and aspects of the publishing process you feel unfamiliar or struggle with. If you have already tried out strategies to solve them, feel free to add examples.
Post-assignment
Outline of your Publication Project: Please apply the “Level-3-Outline” method to you currently active writing project and submit the result.
- Teacher
Petra Ahrens