Proseminar: Twentieth-Century American Literature: Critical Approaches 4219-ZP049
The primary aim of this proseminar is to identify compelling themes and approaches that can inform the development of both the conception and methodology of prospective BA papers. The seminar will begin with discussions of selected texts from twentieth-century American literature, intended to inspire fresh research questions and ultimately lead to well-defined, manageable topics for BA projects. A key objective is to engage with current trends in American literary studies, exploring new paradigms and models that challenge traditional assumptions about literary practices and categories. We will experiment with a range of interpretive strategies and methodological approaches. Following this, students will be guided through all stages of the research process: utilizing library resources, taking effective notes, avoiding plagiarism, refining their topic, drafting a proposal, formulating research questions, identifying and collecting relevant materials, and more.
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE
The student knows and understands:
1. Selected facts, phenomena, and issues related to the culture and literature of the United States at a basic level, with particular emphasis on 20th-century literature, as a foundation for formulating research topics.
2. Basic paradigms, concepts, and interpretive methods used in the study of American literature and culture, including new critical approaches and their relation to other disciplines.
3. Terminology and fundamental methods of humanities research, including data collection techniques, use of library resources, and development of research problems.
4. General principles of academic ethics, including avoidance of plagiarism and protection of intellectual property.
SKILLS
The student can:
1. Formulate preliminary research problems and questions related to the culture and literature of the United States, using selected interpretive approaches and basic humanities research methods.
2. Use specialized literary and cultural studies terminology in English, both orally and in writing, during discussions, presentations, and preparation of research outlines.
3. Obtain and select source materials and information from available library and digital resources, adhering to ethical principles (e.g., avoiding plagiarism).
4. Prepare a written bachelor’s thesis proposal, including the topic, rationale, preliminary research questions, methods, and selected literature.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
The student is ready to:
1. Critically receive content about the United States transmitted by the media and other environments through analysis and interpretation of literary and cultural texts, developing the ability to evaluate diverse messages.
2. Use interdisciplinary knowledge to formulate their own opinions about American culture and literature, participating in seminar discussions and creating preliminary research proposals.
3. Continue learning and take care of developing their own knowledge through systematic work on research projects and independent information-seeking.
Assessment criteria
To complete the BA seminar you have to:
1. Attendance – each student is allowed to have two absences. Period. Save the two allowed absences for the days when you get ill.
2. Actively participate in the classes.
3. Meet all the three main deadlines for the conceptualization, research, and outline.
Bibliography
Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, and William T. FitzGerald. The Craft of Research. 4th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016.
Burgett, Bruce, and Glenn Hendler, eds. Keywords for American Cultural Studies. 3rd ed. New York: New York University Press, 2020.
Chicago Manual of Style. 17th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017.
Levander, Caroline F., and Robert S. Levine, eds. A Companion to American Literary Studies. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
Lipson, Charles. How to Write a BA Thesis: A Practical Guide from Your First Ideas to Your Finished Paper. 2nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: