Note: The University Course is called “The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment”
I have chosen my topic for this final paper and a short summary of the content:
The Role of Women in the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
The paper will explore the contributions of women during the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
period. It will discuss the lives and work of notable female scientists, philosophers, and intellectuals such
as Émilie du Châtelet, Maria Sibylla Merian, Caroline Herschel. Secondly, the paper will aim to provide
insights on the role of women in advancing scientific knowledge and promoting Enlightenment ideals of
reason, equality, and education. This will be done through an analysis of their achievements, challenges
and impact on science. Lastly, it will explore the societal and institutional harriers faced by women in
scientifical and intellectual pursuits during this era, and their lasting impact on shaping the history of
science and ideas.
These are the instructions for the final paper from our syllabus:
Final Exam
Two comprehensive questions, one analytical question (analyze a primary source, students are allowed to use their
laptop for this final question AFTER submitting the first two comprehensive questions).
Final Research Paper
1,250-1,500 words* + Bibliography + 150 word-abstract. Self-chosen topic.
* Quality is more important quantity. If the paper is of high quality, also less words are acceptable. However, the
professor has read a few thousand papers in her lifetime and recognizes the differences between a good paper and
“I-just-want-to-be-done”-paper. The use of AI, ghost writer and the like is strictly forbidden will lead to the failure
of the class and a report.
Students will have to conduct research on the self-chosen topic. They have to provide a bibliographic list of
consisting of ten academic (!) publications, APA. They have to prove here that they understand how to research
literature, how differentiate between academic and non-academic literature, and how to quote literature according
to a specific style guide. They are allowed to use reference management systems (e.g. Zotero, Citavi). Furthermore,
they have to submit an abstract of 150 words.
AI Policy
The use of Artificial Intelligence is forbidden for writing the midterm and final paper. All writing must come from
yourself. The responsibility for the content lies with yourself. In case of doubt, the teacher reserves the right to ask
you to provide evidence (like showing the research folder with the stored research literature) that you are the sole
author of the paper. You are obliged to store used literature or a screenshot of it in a folder until the final grades are
entered.
You are allowed to use AI for inspirational purposes (like ideas on structure, research literature). You are obliged
to acknowledge when, where and how you used AI and specify the AI tool. Please note that AI often produces
inaccurate, superficial, biased, and even invented (“Hallucination”) content. It takes time and effort to create
something meaningful out of it. Again, you are responsible for the content you are submitting.
Violation of this policy leads to the failure of the class and report to the academic services.
Point Deduction
• Unexcused late submission of the paper (accepted excuses: illness, illness or decease of a family member,
act of nature beyond control) – -10% day after deadline, -50% third day after deadline, 0% fifth day after
deadline;
• No title – 5% Mid-Terms, 10% Paper;
• Not applying style guide or using wrong style guide – 5% Mid-Terms, 10% Paper;
• No Bibliography – 10% Paper;
• Citing Wikipedia or non-academic internet sources – 30%
• Not citing sources at all = Plagiarism = failure.
• AI, ghost writers etc = failure and report.
Lastly, these are some specifications mentioned by the teacher in an email:
FINAL PAPER:
– Deadline this Sunday, May 5.
– Structure: Title, name – Introduction – Main Body – Conclusion – Bibliography. Source references in footnotes.
I am not picky on words. If it is 100 words more or less, I do not care. I care about quality, not quantity.
All these instructions are also attached in files as screenshots.
