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Thesis Seminar North American Studies

Vak
2014-2015

Admission requirements

This course is intended for MA students in North American Studies.

Description

Students will be guided through the process of writing their MA thesis through group discussions in a thesis seminar and regular individual meetings with their thesis supervisor.
In the first semester we will meet four times in a seminar setting to discuss digital research databases such as the MLA bibliography, America: History and Life, and the Lexis-Nexis Congressional Database as well as research methods, possible thesis topics, narrowing down topics, and thesis planning and supervision.
In the second semester, there will be regular seminar meetings to discuss how to write thesis research proposals, productive thesis statements, introductions and conclusions, etc. as well as individual chapters by students.
Once students have chosen a thesis supervisor, regular individual meetings will be scheduled to discuss progress and provide feedback on written chapters.

Course objectives

Students learn:

  • to practise research methods and skills, including use of digital databases to locate primary and secondary sources and correct use of citation styles (MLA, Chicago/Turabian, etc.);

  • how to write a thesis research proposal;

  • thesis planning and writing skills.

Timetable

See timetable.

Mode of instruction

Seminar.

Assessment method

Students have to submit draft thesis proposals, thesis introductions, and chapters for in-class discussion (Discussion Board Blackboard)

Blackboard

Blackboard will be used.

Reading list

Not required.

Registration

Via uSis.

Remarks

Attendance is required for MA students in North American Studies.

Contact

Dhr. Prof. dr. A. Fairclough
Dhr. Dr. E.F. van de Bilt
Mw. Dr. J.C. Kardux