Prof. Heike Holbig
Professur für Politikwissenschaft
mit dem Schwerpunkt Area Studies
China/Ostasien
Guidelines for Writing Scientific Papers
When writing a scientific paper such as a term paper or a master thesis, certain basic
principles should be followed. Those principles are outlined in the following guidelines.
The given information does not claim to be complete, that is to say you are given
some freedom when designing your paper. Nevertheless, your chosen approach should
be consistent and meet scientific standards.
Formatting Guidelines
(if not stated otherwise in the course informations, please check for details!)
Number of Pages for Students of Faculty 03: Social Sciences/Department for
Political Science
Proseminar papers: 10 pages (± 10%)
Seminar papers: 20 pages (± 10%)
Bachelor thesis: 12.000 words (± 10%)
Master thesis: 20.000 words (± 10%)
Number of Pages for Students of the Degree Course “Modern East Asian
Studies”
Seminar papers (electives): 15 pages (+/- 10%)
Master thesis: 60 pages (+/- 10%)
Margin
3 cm left, 4 cm right.
Font
Times New Roman, 12 pt.
Text Alignment and Spacing
Grouped style, 1.5 spacing.
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Pagination
Apart from the cover sheet every page must be numbered. Pages containing
information prior to the main text, i.e. the table of contents, should be numbered with
Roman numerals, whereas the remaining pages should be in Arabic numerals.
Citations
As a general rule, every citation must be must be verifiable through the bibliography.
Non-observance of this rule will lead to a negative evaluation. In an evident case of
plagiarism, a paper is graded as failed. Quoting directly from works of other authors
should ideally be an exception. A direct quote is marked by quotation marks at the
beginning and end of the quote. However, indirect quotes (which means giving the
general sense of the ideas of another author but not their exact wording) are not
indicated by quotations marks. You may either use footnotes or the American citation
style (e.g. “…Moral hazard… (Holmström, 1982)”), but please make sure to apply your
choice consistently and to include the page number.
Basic Structure of a Scientific Paper
Cover Sheet
The cover sheet of every paper should contain the following information: topic,
seminar title, seminar organizer and semester, faculty, adviser as well as information
on yourself as the author (name, matriculation number, address, telephone, e-mail,
field of study, number of semesters studied) and the hand in date.
Table of Contents
The table of contents (including pagination) has to be placed prior to the text. It
should reflect the structure of your paper's argument and also be self-explanatory.
Your headlines should be as informative as possible to help the reader understand
what your paper is about. As a central part of the paper the table of contents will also
be considered in the appraisal. Consequently, please make sure that the table of
contents has a logical and consistent structure: If there is a subchapter 2.1, there has
to be a subchapter 2.2 as well and both need to be essential for your argument given
in chapter 2.
Table of Symbols (if symbols are used in the paper)
The table of symbols contains all symbols and variables used in the paper with their
respective definitions.
Table of Figures (if figures are used in the paper)
The table of figures contains all figures with their respective numbers and headlines.
Text
The text starts with an introduction on page number 1 (preceding pages: Roman
numerals). The introduction gives the reader information on the central thesis and its
relevance as well as a short outline of the structure which should match the table of
contents. For example: “This paper is about if and to what degree standards should be
set on a private level. This question arises due to the increasing setting of standards
by private organizations and consequently justifies the relevance of the paper’s
question.”
Your text should be structured as follows: In the main part ensure that you have a
central theme as reflected in your table of contents and your introduction. Try to
explain your thoughts clearly and always question yourself critically whether a
subchapter helps to analyse the central theme. In this way you avoid ending up with
chapters being isolated from each other and giving the impression that your paper is
just a “collection” of diverse information. This precaution should also govern the choice
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of literature. The literature should support the argument and not be a mere
conglomeration of the latest books. Also make sure to explain and define essential
terms and concepts you are using in the paper. You do not need to discuss different
definitions of a term, simply be consistent with your chosen definition.
In the final chapter you should summarize the main findings of the paper and draw a
conclusion. There is no need to repeat each step of your argument. Do not include
new ideas or findings in this chapter, you should only refer to your preceding analysis.
If you would like to further discuss your findings you may also include a “discussion”
chapter before the final chapter.
Style
Use a clear and readable style. If you write in English do not simply translate a
German text. Do not use abbreviations extensively and only those which are familiar
(such as: e.g., i.e., UN). If you insert tables and figures, each must include a title
(normally shown above) and a source (normally shown below).
Appendix
Information central for the understanding of your argument must appear in the text
and not in the appendix. The paper needs to be understandable even without reading
the appendix. You can use an appendix if you for example, conducted interviews or for
quoting important legal texts. Do not forget to refer to the appendix in the text.
Bibliography
The bibliography lists all the publications mentioned in the paper in alphabetical order.
Sources from the internet must include the date on which you used the homepage as
a source. If referring to a law, please cite the law in a way customary for the relevant
jurisdiction and always in a format enabling the reader to verify the reference
(particularly if you cite a version other than the most recent one).
Depending on the type of publication, e.g. monograph, journal article etc., there are
different citation methods. You do not have to apply the following suggestions but
please choose a form of citation which is common in the respective field of study (for
example, use the most well-known journals, e.g. American Economic Review, Annual
Review of Political Science, Journal of Japanese Law as an example).
Again, consistency is of the utmost importance. There is no need to group the
bibliographic references according to the type of publication. Consequently, internet
sources are mentioned together with all other sources such as journal articles etc. in
alphabetical order.

Monograph
Putnam, Robert D. (2000): Bowling Alone. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Journal Article
Kreps, David M. (1990): „Corporate Culture and Economic Theory", in
Perspectives on Positive Political Economy, von J. E. Alt, and K. A.
Shepsle, Cambridge, UK. Cambridge University Press, 90-143.

Anthology Article
Card, David and Alan B. Krueger (1994): „Minimum Wages and
Employment: A Case Study of the Fast-Food Industry in New Jersey and
Pennsylvania”, American Economic Review, 84 (4), 772-793.
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
Article from a series of working papers
Martins, Pedro S. and Walker, Ian (2006): „Student achievement and
university classes: Effects of attendance, size, peers, and teachers”, IZA
Discussion Paper 2490.

Unpublished Manuscript
Hakenes, Hendrik and Isabel Schnabel (2007): „Bank Competition and
Capital Regulation“, unpublished manuscript, Max-Planck-Institut zur
Erforschung von Gemeinschaftsgütern, Bonn.

Internet Publication
GEM, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2005, Executive Report 2006,
available
at
http://www.gemconsortium.org/download.asp?fid=606,
accessed June 10, 2009
How to use Chinese terms
In order to refer to Chinese language terms, you can either use Chinese characters or
the Pinyin romanization system (in italics). Please try to use modern Pinyin versions
(Jiang Jieshi, Mao Zedong, Beijing, Guangdong) for personal or place names instead of
older romanization versions (Chiang Kai-shek, Mao Tse-tung, Peking, Kanton).
If common abbreviations exist they can be used as long as their long form is included
in brackets the first time they are mentioned. Students with a Chinese studies
background also have to insert the Chinese term (Chinese characters or pinyin). For
example: SDRC (State Development and Reform Commission, Guojia Fazhan Gaige
Weiyuanhui).
Statutory Declaration
At the end of every master thesis the following statutory declaration is to be included
(do not forget to sign):
I herewith declare that I have completed the present thesis independently making use
only of the specified literature and aids. Sentences or parts of sentences quoted
literally are marked as quotations; identifications of other references with regard to
the statement and scope of the work is quoted. The thesis in this form or in any other
form has not been submitted to an examination body and has not been published.
Place, Date and Signature
Submission of Papers and Theses
Please hand in your papers and theses in time before the deadline in print form (one
copy) at the secretariat (room 217, FLAT). Additionally, please send an identical digital
copy (word/rtf format) to my secretary, Ms Evans (evans@soz.uni-frankfurt.de) on the
same day.
Deadlines for the assignments will be strictly observed. Handing in your assignment
late may lead to a deduction from your grade for this assignment. Extensions are only
given for valid reasons, such as serious illness, and supported by a doctor’s
attestation.
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The Appraisal of a Paper is Based on the Following Questions
Content
Factually accurate; clear structure of content; question/thesis clearly formulated;
appropriate weighting of content points
Structure and Organization
Clearly structured and goal directed; discernible central theme; good transitions
between points; adhered to page measurements and limits
Creativity
Developed his/her own ideas; content demonstrates originality; skillful argumentation
Literature
Literature used represents state of the art; most important publications quoted;
sources like Wikipedia etc. are not used or only in meaningful cases
Quotations and Bibliography
Literal quotations correct; ample substantive quotations documented; bibliography is
present and presented correctly
Visual Aids (if appropriate)
Adequate number of tables and figures; understandable; sensible and meaningful
connections; correct labeling
Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Style
No grammar or spelling errors; correctly punctuated; use of proper scholarly writing
style; adequate use of terms and definitions of the respective discipline
Speech and Expression
Expression exudes certainty; clear and appropriate word choice; understandable
sentence structure; reading arouses interest
The Appraisal of Oral Presentations is Based on the Following Questions
Content
Factually accurate; clear content structure; question/thesis clearly formulated;
appropriate weighting of content points
Structure and Organization
Clearly structured and target driven; discernible central theme; good transitions
between points; presented within the specified time range
Creativity
Special ideas; content demonstrated originality; pointed; attracted the undivided
attention of the listener
Language
Exuded certainty in expression; clear word choice and understandable sentence
structure; clear voice enunciation, emphasis and volume; dynamic speech tempo
Gesture, Composure, Attitude
extemporaneous speech; maintained eye-contact with audience; presentation was
audience-oriented; open and friendly attitude; gestures accompany speech
appropriately
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Visual Aids
Reasonable and balanced use of media; meaningful graphs and tables; clear and
proper labeling
Effect on and Reaction to Audience
Involved audience; Sovereign response to all questions, each question answered
adequately
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