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78311-01 - Practical course: Writing for peer-reviewed journals in 10 easy steps (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Manfred Max Bergman (max.bergman@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | Obviously, writing in general and scientific writing for peer-reviewed journals in particular is neither linear nor can it be accomplished in 10 easy steps. Writing for peer-reviewed journals requires strategic thinking, creativity, discipline, and persistence. In this course, we will learn how to select a suitable publishing outlet, write a first draft of a manuscript, review manuscripts based on feedback from other course participants, and respond to reviewers’ comments. Participants will work on their own or on someone else’s manuscript. The course is also suitable for participants who are working on a grant proposal or a doctoral dissertation proposal. Throughout the course, one illustrative paper will be developed, step-by-step. This is an active, work-intensive, writing-based course. |
| Learning objectives | - Learn about the peer-reviewed publication process, specifically open-access publications - Learn to conceptualize an academic paper - Write a manuscript for peer-reviewed publications - Review a manuscript for peer-reviewed journals - Edit a manuscript based on reviewers’ comments - Learn how to communicate with journal editors and reviewers - Lean about DORA |
| Bibliography | https://www.snf.ch/en/VyUvGzptStOEpUoC/topic/open-access-to-publications https://sfdora.org/ https://www.forskningsetikk.no/en/guidelines/social-sciences-humanities-law-and-theology/guidelines-for-research-ethics-in-the-social-sciences-humanities-law-and-theology/ Key texts on different aspects of writing will be distributed throughout the course. |
| Comments | - MA and PhD candidates from the social and related sciences - For an empirical paper: Have a completed data analysis. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-täglich | Wednesday | 16.15-20.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 25.02.2026 | 16.15-20.00 | Fasnachtsferien |
| Wednesday 11.03.2026 | 16.15-20.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 25.03.2026 | 16.15-20.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 08.04.2026 | 16.15-20.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 22.04.2026 | 16.15-20.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 06.05.2026 | 16.15-20.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 20.05.2026 | 16.15-20.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Modules |
African Studies: Recommendations (PhD subject: African Studies) Anthropology: Recommendations (PhD subject: Anthropology) Doktorat Soziologie: Empfehlungen (PhD subject: Sociology) Modul: Erweiterung Gesellschaftswissenschaften M.A. (Master's degree subject: Political Science) Modul: Methoden der Near & Middle Eastern Studies und der Gesellschaftswissenschaften (Master's degree subject: Near & Middle Eastern Studies) Modul: Ungleichheit, Konflikt, Kultur (Master's degree subject: Sociology) Module: Changing Societies Lab (Master's degree program: Changing Societies: Migration – Conflicts – Resources) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | - Regular participation in the course - Write or complete a peer-reviewed journal manuscript, grant proposal, or doctoral dissertation proposal - Review two draft manuscripts - Rewrite a manuscript based on reviewers’ comments - Respond appropriately to reviewers’ comments |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Soziologie |