Master-class on Writing Term Papers and Theses on International Law

On November 12, 2022, a large number of students took part in a master class by Professor V.N. Rusinova "Writing term papers and theses on international law".

The training was based on the idea of the difference between an abstract and a scientific paper, which can be either a term paper or a thesis, or an article or even a thesis. So, an abstract is a logical, structured work that systematizes information on a specific topic. The scientific work also meets these criteria, but, unlike the abstract, is a study whose results contribute to the development of a specific topic. Research, unlike abstract work, generates new knowledge.

The speaker shared the "secret of success" for writing any scientific work, suggesting using the "triangle" system. The three central points defining the essence of the research include: the research question (which question does the research answer?), methodology and methods (how, based on what techniques and approaches will the answer to this question be given?) and sources, information, empirical materials (what exactly will be studied?). After analyzing several examples of successfully posed research questions, the training participants tried to formulate questions for their term paper or thesis. In the second part, V.N. Rusinova discussed the specifics of the methodology of international law, special methods and techniques that can be used in the research, and also shared useful links. At the end of the training, the speaker outlined the main ways of "life after": how and where the conducted research can be used after receiving evaluation and defense.