230715 Englisch: English Academic Writing I: Academic Writing Fundamentals (S) (WiSe 2026/2027)

NOTE: Students must complete a questionnaire to get a place in the course.
1. Register on the EkVV.
2. Download the questionnaire at https://robertcthomas.com/uni-writing-i-ii-questionnaire/
3. Complete and send to robert.thomas@uni-bielefeld.de

Covered in this course:
- Technical analysis of academic texts
- Techniques for writing precise and technically correct texts
- Learn and master those techniques through multiple writing and rewriting of your texts

Technical writing techniques include:
- parallel construction at both the sentence and paragraph level
- sentence variation using relative, participle and prepositional clauses
- correct use of active voice
- identifying and correcting nominatives/passive voice and expletives
- experience writing single-topic based texts, including using a "topic hierarchy" to focus and unify a text

Required Writing Project (for LPs): A Comparison Summary text: a summary of an article which describes research comparing two or more dissimilar things, e.g. cultures, processes, techniques. Students will learn how to correctly organize a text into paragraphs with topic sentences, write / create correct parallel sentences and structures, and learn standard academic English phrases and vocabulary used when comparing two or more dissimilar topics.

Please note that this course will be online only. All lessons will be given using Zoom and Moodle.
[Bitte beachten Sie, dass dieser Kurs nur online verfügbar sein wird. Alle Lehrveranstaltungen werden mit Zoom und Moodle durchgeführt.]

Requirements for participation, required level

ACADEMIC WRITING TECHNIQUES

The weekly classes focus on hands-on writing exercises using Epads and Breakout Rooms. Techniques for improved reading skills and the techniques used in academic English writing will be covered in this course.

Learn the theory behind English academic writing
- English academic writing is "reader-oriented", German & most European languages are "writer-oriented"
- the Plain English movement and what it means to one's writing
- learn to be direct and avoid unnecessary words and overly complicated language
- how to select the best content to "make your case" in your writing (like a lawyer)
- how to organize & group your research / information into paragraphs
- learn the standard structure & organization used when writing English Academic texts

Learn English academic writing as taught to native-speaker university students
- each week in class get "hands-on" writing practice with individualized suggestions & help
- learn the writing techniques and processes native-speakers students use in university
- learn how to edit and revise your texts with certainty
- learn to analyze your text - so you no longer have to think: "Hmmm, does that sound right?"

Learn reading tricks & techniques used by graduate students in the US
- learn how to efficiently read and mark English articles and texts
- learn how to breakdown & analyze a text for organization and structure
- learn the reading techniques: "Skim, Scan and Chunk"

You can definitely learn to write good academic English during this semester, but you will need self-discipline and persistence. Note that you will sometimes feel discouraged by the challenges you will encounter writing at this level, so prepare yourself to be goal-oriented and success-focused when signing up for this course.

A minimum English reading level of B2 is highly recommended.
The course will take place entirely online.