Instructor: MacDuffie, E Areas: IV / U
Unique #: 35990 Flags: n/a
Semester: Fall 2013 Restrictions: English Honors
Cross-lists: n/a Computer Instruction: No
Prerequisites: Enrollment in or completion of at least one Honors section of an English course, admission to the English Honors Program, and consent of the honors adviser.
Description: According to the Honors Thesis Manual, a thesis is “a sustained examination of a central idea or question, developed in a professional and mature manner under the guidance of a faculty supervisor and a second reader.” That sounds easy enough, but how does one get there from here? This course offers something of a roadmap. Over the course of the term we will examine literary criticism from the “inside out” and hone skills essential to a successful honors thesis.
Along the way, we will address a number of questions, both practical—How do I use the MLA Bibliography? What’s the difference between a footnote and an endnote?—and theoretical—What does it mean to make an argument about literature? Who has authority in an act of interpretation? This course will: first and foremost prepare students to write an honors thesis; interrogate methods of literary and cultural interpretation; consider what it means to make literary arguments and conduct literary research; help students to improve their research, critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.
Texts: Wayne Booth, et al, The Craft of Research (Third Edition) (University Of Chicago Press, 2008). #978-0226065663; Marjorie Garber, A Manifesto for Literary Studies (University of Washington Press, 2003). #978-0295983448; Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (Norton, 2005). # 978-0393924091.
Requirements & Grading: (assignment logistics, rationales, and approaches will be discussed at length during class)
Final Thesis Prospectus (4-6 pp.) & Annotated Bibliography (20-25+ items) 40%
Writing Sample (15-20 pp. section or sections of your actual thesis) 30%
In-Class Performance (quality & consistency of discussion; preparation; engagement;
informal writing; writing-process & bibliography tasks; peer feedback; Symposium) 30%
On-time Attendance (note: every absence beginning with #4 will reduce grade; NC at #9) Required
On-time Completion of Reading, Writing-Process, Research, & Peer Feedback Assignments Required
Plus/minus grades will be assigned for the final grade of the course. The university does not recognize the grade of A+. Evaluation percentages approximate & subject to minor change.