With Grammarly, DeepL, and artificial intelligence, is taking an academic writing class still useful? Will you write your bachelor thesis in English and are not quite sure if you're ready? Will you need to write an assignment or essay in English for one of your classes this semester? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you may want to take this class.

Just as students need to know the fundamentals of math to use the calculator properly, academics need certain skills to make the most out of a seemingly unending amount of AI-driven writing tools. In this class, we'll explore the fundamentals of academic writing and the possibilities of digital and/or AI-driven tools.

Further topics include recognizing quality writing, including producing knock-out introductions and conclusions, making the most of citations, examining personal bias and positionality (how one's identity affects their writing and research), and critically revising one's own work. Finally, we'll also take a closer look at matters of style and creative language use.

Participants will work on and discuss many writing activities in class. At the same time, due to the heterogeneity of seminar participants, the instructor will assist students in developing their own writing styles and mentor them individually. Those willing to put the time and effort into the class should notice a great improvement in their confidence and writing skills.