Guide to Writing a Seminar Paper

Dear Students,
Writing a seminar paper is a pivotal milestone in your degree. To successfully complete the process, we have compiled the accepted rules and standards for academic writing. This guide defines the requirements for writing a seminar paper and provides general guidelines.

Please note that each course may have specific instructions, which will be emphasized by the course instructors. Therefore, it is essential to consult with your specific school and lecturer regarding their particular requirements.

Step 1: The Structure

The paper should be organized in the following order:

• Title Page: Includes the name of the university and the school, the title of the paper, your personal details (name and ID), the lecturer's name, and the course title.

• Table of Contents: A detailed list of chapters with corresponding page numbers.

• Abstract: Up to 200 words presenting the research question, methodology, and key findings. The abstract is a concise description of the entire work: one or two paragraphs detailing the subject matter, the research method, and the primary conclusions and insights.

• Introduction: Presentation of the topic, general background, the significance of the research, and the research question. The introduction should include the following aspects:
+ Background, central themes, and fundamental concepts.
+ The core problems discussed and the research questions.
+ The author's rationale for choosing the topic.
+ A concise description of the methodology/research procedure.
+ A brief summary of the main findings.
+ The expected contribution of the research.

• Body of the Paper: Divided into chapters (Literature Review, Methodology – if applicable, Findings, and Discussion).

• Conclusion: A direct answer to the research question and a discussion of the findings. This section should present the "added value" of the work, the author's stance, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Bibliography: A comprehensive list of all sources cited within the body of the paper.

• Appendices: Questionnaires, tables, raw data, etc. - as required.

Step 2: Information Sources and Citation (Academic Integrity)

The university maintains strict standards regarding academic integrity to prevent plagiarism. For every information source relied upon, you must credit the source and provide a proper citation.

• Citation Style: Most Schools use APA style (Legal studies typically use the Bluebook style). Please verify the required style for your specific program in advance.

• Mandatory Attribution: Any idea, data, or fact that is not "common knowledge" requires a citation, even if written in your own words (Paraphrasing).

• Direct Quotations: Text copied word-for-word must appear in quotation marks with the exact page number cited. Long quotations (exceeding 4 lines) should be presented as a separate, indented paragraph.

Step 3: Technical Requirements and Scope

• Scope: Please consult with your lecturer regarding the required length of the paper.

• Formatting: Font: David or Arial, Size 12, Line spacing: 1.5, Margins: 2.5 cm on all sides.

• Language: Standard Hebrew or English (subject to the lecturer's approval).

Step 4: Important Administrative Guidelines

• Topic Approval: It is mandatory to obtain approval from the lecturer for the research topic and research question before beginning the writing process.

• Submission Time: If you are unable to submit the paper by the designated deadline, please contact the lecturer for approval. Late submission without prior authorization may result in mark penalty.

• AI Tools: Please verify the permitted and prohibited uses of Artificial Intelligence tools. Clarify with your lecturer if you must submit an appendix (which does not count towards the word limit) containing all prompts/requests presented to the AI tool, and list the names of the tools used.

Need help locating sources or using databases? We are here for you!
You are welcome to schedule a personal consultation:
WhatsApp: 054-9656624 | Email: RUlibrary@runi.ac.il | Phone: 09-9527370

Good Luck!
The Library Team