English 9009
Essential Skills & Methods
Instructor: Professor Mary Helen McMurran.
Fall Half Course.
What is literary studies today and where do your interests fit? Academic research is developing some spark of an idea by reading and then entering into conversations around that idea in a field. This exchange between you and the work of scholars is a relationship that guides you toward an original contribution in a thesis, be it a course essay, independent project, or PhD dissertation, as well as many non-academic uses (grant proposals for arts/non-profits; government and NGO projects; private sector research & development, etc). This course takes you through the process and practice of the skills needed: conducting searches using scholarly methods and tools; assembling, refining and reflecting on research questions; reviewing the literature, and finally, a detailed, informed proposal for a research project.
Our readings are chosen with the aim of considering recent conversations in literary studies about what we do and how. I hope these readings situate your interests in the field and prompt reflection on your own values behind your inquiry. In addition, we have several how-to manuals and tips for the skill-set we are developing. Class time is divided along these two tracks: discussing more theoretical readings and workshops on skills:
- Identify, locate, cite, and evaluate scholarly critical resources
- Succinctly and accurately summarize a critical article and put it into a context
- Enter the existing critical conversation about a work through a research-based, scholarly argument
- Propose to advance that conversation
