Selected Topics in Literature

DESCRIPTION:
Extensive critical investigation of a topic selected from literature in English, such as a major author (e.g., Faulkner or Dickens), a major work (e.g., Moby Dick or Ulysses), or a major literary movement or grouping (e.g., Theater of the absurd, the Beat generation, the Bloomsbury group). Topic selected is not covered, or only partially covered, in the curriculum of English and American literature. Changes from year to year.

RATIONALE: 
In this capstone course the students of English and American literature probe a topic in depth through intensive research and complete an extended research project of 4,500 to 5,000 words. The seminar allows students to demonstrate advanced research skills and to hone their analytical and critical skills.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Undertake extensive and comprehensive research of scholarly resources, concentrating on a focused topic related to a writer/s, a work/s, or a literary grouping/movement;
2. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of critical debates and opinions on the topic under investigation, assessing the value of relevant sources through close reading and annotation and recording materials and interpretations in a systematic and scholarly manner;
3. Follow scholarly standards of objectivity, referencing and documentation in the writing of the extended research essay;
4. Prepare and deliver in a professional and engaged manner an oral presentation on an aspect of the topic of the research project relating to material not included in the extended project;
5. Demonstrate all the critical and analytical skills acquired through all previous courses in English and American literature by writing an extended research project of 4,500 to 5,000 words that constitutes an appropriate sample of scholarly work in the discipline.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Lectures, class discussions, workshop-style pair work and group work during class meetings;
• Formative exercises and online learning tasks through the Blackboard online tools designed to help students acquire confidence and benefit from independent study;
• Additional print and audiovisual educational material posted on the Blackboard course template; 

• Timely instructor feedback on assignments;
• Other relevant educational material placed on reserve in the library;
• Individualized assistance during office hours for further discussion of lecture material, additional reading, assignments and examinations;
• Close collaboration with the Library and SASS to encourage students’ effective use of academic support services;
• Discussion of disciplinary research methods and tools to facilitate the completion of assigned research projects.