EN 8103

Seminar in Graduate Research Methods
Dr. Lara Dodds
Fall 2008, Wednesdays 6:00

Course description: This course will introduce you to the major fields of study within English Studies and also to the methods of scholarly research and writing in English literary studies. We will survey the major critical questions and controversies of English studies today and consider how these questions and controversies illuminate an exemplary literary text. In addition, this class will give you extensive practical experience in planning and executing research in the field of English studies.

Assignments and requirements may include the following:

• Weekly research and writing exercises
• 10 minute presentation on research methods or materials
• Midterm examination
• A final research project and accompanying presentation of findings and methods.

Required Texts*

• William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew. ed. Frances E. Dolan. Boston: Bedford!
  St. Martin's, 1996. (Texts and Contexts)
• James L. Harner, Literary Research Guide. 5th ed. New York: MLA, 2008
• Jonathan Culler A Very Brief Introduction to Literary Theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.
• Booth, Colomb, and Williams. The Craft of Research. 2nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003.
• Selected articles and book chapters available on reserve at Mitchell Memorial Library and/or via WebCT.

Recommended:

• Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 6th ed. New York:
  MLA,2003.
• Semenza, Gregory. Graduate Study for the Twenty-first Century: How to Build an Academic Career in the Humanities. Palgrave/ MacMillan, 2005.

*This list is preliminary at this stage and will likely be updated before the Fall semester begins ..