Proseminar: Religion in the United States 4219-ZP045
First, the course focuses on the research and writing process: it will develop skills such as searching for sources, evaluating, and selecting them, formulating theses, and constructing the argument, including proper paraphrasing, summarizing, quoting and attributing various types of sources. Second, the course deals with BA requirements – the specificity of BA theses and reviews. Third, the course acquaints students with basic research methods used in media and cultural studies. Preferably, at the end of the semester, students will have finished one chapter of their BA theses.
Type of course
proseminars
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student:
Knowledge:
- Understands the specific requirements for academic papers.
- Is familiar with the procedures and norms of the research process.
- Recognizes the differences between academic and non-academic texts, sources, and languages.
- Grasps the concept of academic integrity and intellectual property.
- Understands key concepts related to cultural studies of religion.
- Is aware of the consequences of plagiarism.
Skills:
- Can organize the research process leading to the writing of a bachelor's thesis.
- Possesses the necessary skills to evaluate sources (including primary sources and literature).
- Can present a coherent and logical argument in writing.
- Knows how to document work in the Chicago style and avoid plagiarism.
- Can present research in an accessible and engaging manner.
- Is familiar with English text editing principles.
Competencies:
- Is capable of respectfully evaluating and creatively critiquing the work of others.
Assessment criteria
Active participation and in-class/homework assignments 20%. Final project 70% (including a research proposal 5%, annotated bibliography 10%, outline 5%; the first draft of the final paper 40%, the second draft of the final paper 10%). In-class presentation 10%.
Bibliography
Booth, Wayne C. et al. The Craft of Research. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1995.
Civil Religion and Political Theology, ed. Leroy S. Rouner
Eck Diana L., A New Religious America. How a “Christian Country” Has Become the World’s Most Religiously Diverse Nation
Gaustad Edwin&Schmidt Leigh, The Religious History of America
Noll Mark A., The Work we have to do. A History of Protestants in America
Robert Putnam, American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites US
C. F. Starkloff, A Theology of the In-Between. The Value of Syncretic Process
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: