Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0332 - HACU Research Seminar

This course is an upper level theory and research seminar geared towards students in the Division III/senior thesis process, or in the final semester of Division II. The primary purpose of the seminar is to provide a supportive and stimulating intellectual community in which students will produce and refine their independent project, write a working outline, and understand the state of the research on their project. How do you find and narrow your topic? What is your thesis really about? What is your stake in your project? How do you sustain interest? We will develop research strategies, learn how to find and use primary and secondary sources, refine our research questions, and learn how to structure an argument. We will examine diverse critical methodologies and interpretive approaches through shared readings and scholarly events. The class will be organized around students' projects in any area of humanistic inquiry (Literature, Architectural Studies, History, American Studies, Art History, Performance Studies, Classics, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Religion, Media Studies, Critical Theory, etc.) as well as hybrid projects that combine written inquiry with some form of creative writing, music, performance, visual arts or design. Students will suggest readings, peer edit each other's texts, work in groups on common topics, and present their topics and texts-in-progress.

Writing and Research Independent Work Prerequisites: Division III, final semester Division II, or Five College senior thesis students in the Humanities. Students are expected to spend 4-6 hours weekly in preparation and work outside of class time.