Guide for Writing Term Papers and Final Theses in Digital Humanities at Trier University

Oct 26, 2026

Guide for writing term papers and final theses in Digital Humanities at Trier University, including tailored instructions for written term papers and Bachelor’s/Master’s theses. Covers how to choose and delimit topics, expected academic standards, scope guidelines by degree level, and requirements such as colloquium preparation for Master’s theses. Provides comprehensive formatting guidance covering formal aspects, content design, work structure, handling datasets or programming code, engagement with research literature, citation style and bibliography, language requirements, and layout and typography.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Written Term Papers

Basics

Topic Selection

Scope of Term Papers

Time Spent Writing the Paper

Final Theses (Bachelor's / Master's)

Basics

Topic Selection

Formalities

Colloquium for Master's Thesis

Formatting Written Assignments

Formal Aspects

Content Design of the Work

Structure

Handling Datasets or Programming Code

Engagement with Research Literature

Citation Style and Bibliography

Language

Layout and Typography

Guide for writing term papers and final theses in Digital Humanities at Trier University Note: Translated in July 2026.–The reference version of this guide is available online, in German, on the pages of the study programme. Table of Contents Introduction..........................................................................................................................................................1 1. Written Term Papers.........................................................................................................................................1 1.1 Basics........................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Topic Selection............................................................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Scope of Term Papers................................................................................................................................. 2 1.4 Time Spent Writing the Paper...................................................................................................................2 2. Final Theses (Bachelor's / Master's)...............................................................................................................2 2.1 Basics...........................................................................................................................................................2 2.2 Topic Selection............................................................................................................................................3 2.3 Formalities..................................................................................................................................................3 2.4 Colloquium for Master's Thesis.................................................................................................................3 3. Formatting Written Assignments..................................................................................................................4 3.1 Formal Aspects...........................................................................................................................................4 3.2 Content Design of the Work......................................................................................................................4 3.3 Structure..................................................................................................................................................... 5 3.4 Handling Datasets or Programming Code...............................................................................................5 3.5 Engagement with Research Literature..........................................................................................................6 3.6 Citation Style and Bibliography.....................................................................................................................7 3.7 Language.......................................................................................................................................................... 7 3.8 Layout and Typography..................................................................................................................................8 Introduction This guide provides hints on how to format written assignments of different formats in the study programs of the "Digital Humanities" department at the University of Trier. First, specific instructions related to individual types of assignments (term papers and final theses) are provided. This is followed by general guidelines for formatting written assignments that apply to all types of assignments. This document is continuously updated; the last update was in September 2025. For any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Christof Schöch and

FAQs

What academic standards must a written term paper meet?

A term paper must reflect carefully and methodically on the topic, present clear argumentation and terminology, engage critically with relevant research literature, conduct analyses carefully, and be formally correct and easy to understand. It also requires adherence to good scientific practice, especially regarding citation style and independent preparation.

How should a topic for a term paper be selected and delimited?

The topic is free as long as it fits the seminar’s framework and has a clear connection to Digital Humanities. The guide advises choosing and delimiting the topic so it can be addressed meaningfully within the term paper, clarifying the topic and further questions in advance during office hours or by email.

What formatting topics are covered for written assignments?

The guide covers formal aspects, content design and structure, handling datasets or programming code, engagement with research literature, citation style and bibliography, language, and layout and typography. It also states that general guidelines apply to all assignment types, after the specific instructions for term papers and final theses.

Oct 26, 2026

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