Proseminar: Social and Cultural History of the United States (19th-20th century) 4219-ZP054
BA proseminar is a research-based course that aims to familiarize students with research methods and techniques used to study social and cultural history of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Students will learn how to select a research topic for a BA thesis, ask research questions, formulate hypothesis, gather, select, and analyze historical sources, and access and evaluate scholarly literature.
Over the course of the semester, the students will start their research and the development of their theses. They will work on their outlines, annotated bibliographies, introductions, and first pages of their BA papers. The participants will receive an opportunity to present their work as well as a series of deadlines and individual consultations. The reading list for the course will comprise of texts selected following the specific research interests of the students.
Course coordinators
Type of course
obligatory courses
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will:
1. KNOWLEDGE
- have knowledge of the social and cultural history of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries
- understand the interdisciplinary nature of American studies and the need to draw on other disciplines when analyzing issues in the social and cultural history of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries
- be familiar with the basic principles and concepts of intellectual property protection and copyright law, particularly regarding plagiarism and academic ethics
2. SKILLS
- is able to synthesize material to present arguments demonstrating an understanding of the social and cultural history of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries
- is able to use scholarly publications to understand and explain the social and cultural history of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries
- is able to locate and analyze reliable and relevant primary sources used to do research of the social and cultural history of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries
3. SOCIAL COMPETENCIES
- is able to present assigned material independently and in a group, as well as formulate and defend their opinion
- is able to speak in public, presenting arguments to support their theses
- is able to critically evaluate content regarding U.S. history conveyed by the media and other sources
Assessment criteria
1. attendance – 2 absences allowed; sick notes are to be presented immediately after the missed class
2. topic and thesis statement (20%)
3. annotated bibliography (20%)
4. BA thesis outline + at least 5 first pages of written text of the BA thesis (introduction and few first pages of the main part) (50%)
5. preparation for and participation in class (10%)
Any use of Generative AI Tools must be consulted with the instructor and explained in detail in the submitted work. Otherwise, it constitutes a breach of academic integrity.
Bibliography
The reading list for the course will comprise of texts selected following the specific research interests of the students.
Wayne Booth, The Craft of Research
Joseph Williams, Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity & Grace
The Purdue Writing Lab, https://owl.purdue.edu
Michael Harvey, The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing
The Chicago Manual of Style. The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers