Former Writing Centre of the Department of Linguistics
Until the end of 2022, the writing centre offered support with issues in academic writing. Specifically, we offered advice on term papers and theses in linguistics and questions like the following:
- How do I find a topic for my term paper?
- How do I find the relevant literature?
- How do I cite correctly?
- How do I develop a comprehensible and academic style of writing?
- Which formal aspects have to be considered when writing a term paper or thesis in linguistics?
- How do I structure my term paper?
- What information belongs in the introduction?
Individual support
Individual support was provided upon request.
We helped with general and specific questions regarding academic writing or e.g. term papers. It was possible for you to show and discuss parts of your paper or thesis.
Seminar: Research and Academic Writing in Linguistics
Among others, the topics mentioned above were dealt with in the seminar Research and Academic Writing in Linguistics (in German). The course was taught every semester and recommended to all students who have to write a term paper in linguistics.
Guidelines and recommendations
Guidelines for writing an academic paper
This handout summarizes some important aspects about writing an academic paper. If your lecturer has other requirements regarding a term paper, they have of course priority over the guidelines given here.
Guidelines for citing and creating your bibliography
This handout summarizes the most important rules regarding citing and referring to literature in an academic paper. It also includes information on correctly formatting your bibliography. If your lecturer has other requirements regarding a term paper, they have of course priority over the guidelines given here.
Citing in literature studies (in German)
Handout by Ralph Hafner
Citing films (in German)
Handout by Ralph Hafner and Beate Ochsner
Unified Style Sheet for Linguistics for EndNote
This citation style can be added to EndNote. It follows the rules of the Unified Style Sheet and the Guidelines for citing and creating your bibliography of the Department of Linguistics.
German version of the Unified Style Sheet for Linguistics for EndNote
This is the German version of the Unified Style Sheet for EndNote.
Citation style SP.bst for LaTeX
The journal Semantics & Pragmatics offers a template for the English BibTex version that is in large parts identical to the Unified Style Sheet and also conforms to the Guidelines for citing and creating your bibliography of the department. Put \usepackage{natbib}, \bibpunct[: ]{(}{)}{,}{a}{}{,} and \bibliographystyle{sp} in your preamble.
German citation style SP_deutsch.bst for LaTeX
This German citation style is an adaptation of the one offered in the journal Semantics & Pragmatics. If you want to use it, put \usepackage{natbib}, \bibpunct[: ]{(}{)}{,}{a}{}{,} and \bibliographystyle{sp_deutsch} in your preamble.
LaTeX bibliography template
Designed by Lena Friedek in the context of the referencing exercise in the writing seminar
Declaration of authorship (for term papers)
Hand in this form with every written paper that you submit at the Department of Linguistics (see how plagiarism is handled at the University of Konstanz).
Checklist for the bachelor's thesis (DOCX)
Please fill in this checklist before you register your bachelor's thesis. If you have questions regarding this checklist, you can contact the writing centre.
Front page template for bachelor's and master's theses
The university has created a template of the front page for bachelor's and master's theses that conforms to the regulations regarding the use of the university signet.
Teaching and learning material
Bibliography on academic writing (German literature, PDF)
Ideas for small writing tasks (PDF, DOCX)
Writing dimensions, types of writers, writing process (PDF, PPTX)
Writing-type test (PDF, DOCX)
Literature research (PDF, PPTX)
Worksheet Selecting sources (PDF, DOCX)
Instructor's manual on Research exercise: Search for given literature (PDF, DOCX)
Other services on academic writing at the University of Konstanz
The Writing Centre of the University of Konstanz offers interdisciplinary workshops regarding academic writing. The Writing Centre focuses on interdisciplinary requirements, e.g. different styles of writing, the process of writing, or overcoming a writer's block.
The Communication, Information, Media Centre (KIM) offers individual advice on questions concerning research methods and avoiding plagiarism at the Library Information Centre and by e-mail. Additionally, courses on programmes for reference management (Citavi, EndNote) and word processing for the purposes of academic writing (MS Word, LaTeX) are offered regularly and frequently, and dedicated referents offer help with these programmes if problems or special issues arise.