Advanced Research and Writing.

Catalog description

In this course, students will plan and complete a large-scale (20-25 pp.) research project in the field of literary studies, broadly construed. We will begin by offering students an overview of traditional and current approaches that will help them to identify and develop their own identities as scholars. The bulk of the course will be devoted to research and writing, and students will enjoy the camaraderie and inspiration that comes from small-group workshops, one-on-one sessions with faculty, and close engagement with one another’s work as they bring their research to fruition. The nature of the final project makes this course a good fit for students who wish to go to graduate school, to enter research-intensive fields, to analyze specific literary milieux in depth, or who simply desire the challenge of finishing a large-scale project. As a way of helping students to think about the afterlives of their research, the course will help students to identify and compete for conference presentations and research prizes. While this course is taught in the English department, any student interested in advanced literary studies is welcome to join: modern literary studies draws on many different methodologies and disciplines, and a vibrantly interdisciplinary class can be an irreplaceable intellectual experience. Prerequisite: One 300- or 400-level English course or permission of instructor(s).