If you have successfully applied for a topic proposal, the pre-seminar phase will begin for you.

Right at the beginning, there will be an introduction to scientific work. Here you will be taught the principles of science and scientific writing will be distinguished from other forms, such as journalism. In a supplementary workshop, this knowledge is then applied practically. The workshop covers, among other things, the essential basics of citation, literature work and structuring of scientific work. In addition, within the first week after the assignment of the topics, there is often a first supervision meeting with the respective supervisor, in which the topic is further concretized and advice is given on how to start the further literature search.

In order to successfully complete the pre-seminar phase, you must accept the topic assigned to you in written form after the introductory events (by e-mail), as well as submit a brief written paper (typically an exposé of about 2-3 pages) by the deadline (in the same e-mail). The deadline for this can be found on the homepage of the seminar papers in the section Dates and Deadlines.

Please note: Successful participation in the pre-seminar phase is mandatory for further participation in the (main) seminar!

In the exposé you should elaborate the goal and the research question based on a convincing motivation. Based on a description of the procedure and a first structure, you can dissect the topic and plan how you want to answer the research question and what can be expected in the result. The exposé forms the starting point for the further supervision process and serves as an introduction to the work phase/main seminar.