MA Seminar: Identity, Power, Difference in American Literature and Culture 4219-ZS136-AM
The MA seminar will focus on the analysis of how categories such as race, class, gender, sexuality, or (dis)ability, are created and represented in American literature and culture. I welcome explorations in all genres and media that employ literary and cultural studies perspectives. Specific topics and texts to discuss will be selected based on students’ declared interests as well as those of the instructor. In the winter semester, we will read critical texts that align with the topics of students’ MA theses, and discuss a selection of primary texts. Students will be expected to present their topics in class and offer feedback on other students’ work.
Course coordinators
Type of course
obligatory courses
Mode
Learning outcomes
Upon completing this course, students
Knowledge
- are aware of special requirements given to academic works;
- know that there are certain procedures and norms that guide the process of academic research;
- know differences between academic and nonacademic texts, sources, language;
- understand the issue of academic honesty and intellectual property,
Skills:
- are able to organize a basic research process leading to write a MA thesis;
- have skills necessary to find and evaluate primary and secondary sources;
- are able to formulate research questions and formulate a thesis statement;
- are able to construct a coherent and logical argument;
- can present the results of their research in an academic way (written and oral);
Competences:
- can organize their research process;
- are able to properly plan and undertake a cultural/literary analysis of chosen media texts;
- can give meaningful feedback to others in a respectful way.
Assessment criteria
Handing in a finished chapter of the thesis (or the whole thesis) necessary to pass the semester.
Mandatory attendance and participation in class.
Committing plagiarism or presenting AI-generated content as your own work will result in failing the class. Detailed policy on the use of GAI will be presented in class.
Bibliography
Readings will be selected based on specific interests of the students who sign up.