Proseminar: Research and Writing Techniques 4219-ZP101

The course is designed to prepare students for writing their MA thesis in English within American Studies. It organized around planning and writing a research paper while the instructor guides the students through all its steps (from abstract, annotated bibliography through outline to the 1st draft and the final revised version). P102 primarily focuses on research methods: finding, evaluating, and using primary and secondary sources and constructing an effective argument. Learning how to avoid plagiarism, also through properly using a bibliographic style (Chicago Style), is crucial for conducting successful research. It also discusses certain elements of the structure of academic papers that are essential for effective presentation of research results (introduction, revising, formal aspects of editing). The stress is put on individual work with students on their projects.

The topics discussed include:
1. Introduction:
i. Writing process - stages, guidelines, difficulties and challenges
ii. Generating ideas
iii. Focus on the prospectus
2. Chicago Style - guidelines
3. Reading to write: paraphrasing and summarizing
4. Avoiding plagiarism, proper quoting
5. Focusing:
i. Search for supporting material
ii. Subject - topic - thesis
iii. Methodology
6. Note taking
7. Outlining
8. Putting together a bibliography
9. Drafting:
i. Paragraph - topic sentence
ii. Paragraph - unity and coherence (transitional words)
10. Revising and editing
i. Punctuation and style
ii. Formal features of a paper (indentation, margins, paging)
11. Toward a Master Thesis

Type of course

proseminars
obligatory courses

Prerequisites (description)

B2-level command of English, rudimentary knowledge about research in humanities; the ability to write clear shorter texts in academic style and register; basic knowledge about how to construct an argument, paragraphs, editing.

Learning outcomes

The key expected learning outcome of the course:
- Planning, researching and writing a 8-10 page research paper

Assumed competences students acquire as a result of taking and passing the course:

-the ability to find and evaluate primary and secondary sources
- ability to organize complex research results in a coherent way
- the ability to construct an effective argument
- the ability document sources in academic writing (Chicago Style) and thus avoid plagiarism
- writing an abstract, outline
- revising a draft according to the instructor’s guidelines
- appreciation of diversity and multiculturality
- ability to work autonomously
- ability to reflect on one’s values to question concepts, ideas and theories
- ability to communicate in a foreign language (English) using appropriate terminology

Assessment criteria

Final grade based on:

1. Attendance – it is highly recommended that you attend all classes; however, you are allowed to be absent once – 5% of the final grade.
2. Active participation in class discussions and other activities – 10% of the final grade.
3. Portfolio (all in-class writing and homeworks; all writing connected with your project: abstract; outline; annotated bibliography; first draft and final version of the research paper) – 85% of the final grade. (Research paper grade equals 40% of the final grade)

Students will need over 60% to pass the class. Failure to attempt to complete any major assignment will result in failure for the class. (Research paper grade equals 40% of the final grade)

Grading scale:
0-60 – 2
61-77 – 3
78-89 – 4
90-100 – 5

Bibliography

Harvey, Michael. The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing. Indianapolis and Cambridge: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2003.

http://nutsandbolts.washcoll.edu/nb-home.html

Heffernan, James A. W., Lincoln, John E. Writing. A College Handbook. 3rd edition. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1990.

The Chicago Manual of Style. The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers. 15th Edition.

Booth, Wayne C. et al. The Craft of Research. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1995.

Williams, Joseph M. Style: Toward Clarity and Grace. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1995.

Nadell, Judith et. al. The Longman Writer: Rhetoric and Reader, Sixth Edition. New York: Pearson, 2007.

Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell. The Brief Wadsworth Handbook, Fifth Edition. Boston: Thomson, 2007.

http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/