Introduction to LaTeX

24 October 2014

M. Andreas Goldberg

Originally intended for writing texts in mathematics, today scholars from all kinds of disciplines appreciate the advantages of the LaTeX software package. In addition to its facility for styles and its free availability, the programme is especially convenient for texts that include many graphs or tables, or of course for writing mathematical formulae. A disadvantage in comparison to so-called What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) software, e.g. MS Word, is the relatively steep learning curve. However, once a basic template is set up, LaTeX offers an excellent working environment that allows the author to concentrate more on the content of their text, and less on the formatting of the document.

This workshop gives an introduction to LaTeX for people with no or only a very basic knowledge of the software. At the end of the day the participants will be able to create/format a template document which they can use to write their thesis or publish an article (or a book/report). Although we will use the basic LaTeX framework specified for articles, the presented options and settings are the same when using one of the other available types of documents in LaTeX (e.g. book, report or letter).

This one-day workshop will concentrate on the basic and most important features of the software. After a brief introduction, we start with the options of formatting a text. We then build the structure of the document and review some more specific features like listings. To finish the main style attributes, we add a title page, an abstract and the header/footer to the document. Later in the day, the course covers other useful features like how to include graphs, adding cross-references or creating tables. These will subsequently be linked to the list of figures/tables and the table of contents. Finally, we will take a look at two additional issues, the writing of mathematical formulae and quotations according to different styles.

The structure of the workshop consists of short presentations and examples of the named topics, always followed by practical exercises. By doing the exercises every participant will create his/her own sample LaTeX file, which can then be used for writing their thesis, articles or books.

Genève COMPLET

Date: Friday, 24th October 2014

This workshop has been added to the programme following demand for the first workshop on 2nd October. Those already on the waiting list for the first workshop will be given priority registration (until 17th September).

Schedule: 9:15 to 17:15

Location: University of Geneva

Trainer: Andreas Goldberg is research assistant/doctoral candidate at the department of political science and international relations at the University of Geneva. He is also a member/collaborator of the Swiss Electoral Studies Project (SELECTS). Trained in LaTeX at the University of Konstanz and with significant experience in using the software for various applications, he developed this one-day introductory workshop for the CUSO in 2012.

Participants are eligible for reimbursement of incurred travel expenses by train between the town of their university and the location of the workshop (half-fare card, 2nd class).

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