Hauptinhalt

Workload

A course at the English department ususally takes place once a week and lasts 90 minutes. There are multiple ways to get credit for a course and they depend both on the course type and the instructor, so make sure to pay attention to whatever information your instructor gives you during the first session.

The main ways to get credit are by attending classes regularly, doing a presentation during the semester, and writing either an exam or a term paper at the end of the course.

Presentation

A presentation usually lasts between 15 to 30 minutes and is held during the semester in one of the course's sessions. Most instructors prefer a PowerPoint presentation but it depends on the course's content.

Exam

Exams are usually between 60 to 90 minutes long. Normally, they are written in the last week of the semester, in the same time slot the course would have regularly occupied. Often, they are also written in the same room. Most exams are closed-book, so you are only allowed to bring a pen and no additional notes. All of this depends on the course instructor, so pay attention to the information they give you. If you need your grades quickly because you are departing soon after the semester ends, let the instructors know so they can prioritize grading your exams.

Term Paper

A term paper is often written as an alternative to an exam. For intermediate seminars, the length of a term paper should be between 10 and 15 pages, for advanced seminars 15 - 20 pages. A term paper is different from an essay, as it is a piece of writing that is significantly longer and requires more references to support your argument. Always follow the style guide for term papers, as to not commit plagiarism, which is a serious offence! Also, attach a plagiarism statement to each of your term papers in which you state that you have not used any sources except those listed in your reference list. Usually, you have around two to four weeks to complete your term paper. If you are already leaving Marburg during that time, make sure to contact your instructor if they are fine with you submitting your work digitally and from abroad. If you need your grades quickly because you are departing soon after the semester ends, let the instructors know so they can prioritize grading your term paper.