Admission requirements
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Description
Students follow this seminar during one semester: the semester prior to the semester where they actually write their thesis.
If you plan to write your thesis in the second semester and graduate in the summer, then follow the seminar during your first semester.
If you plan to write it during the first semester and graduate in winter, then follow the seminar during your second semester (prior to writing your thesis).
The aim of the seminar is to introduce students to the process of developing an MA thesis topic, a formal proposal with a sound methodological framework and a proper research and writing schedule. It forms the preliminary stage to the MA thesis proper.
The seminar consists of 3 meetings where students learn to identify their specific field of interest and to define possible research questions related to that field; they also work at identifying the scholarly methods needed for their research, and do some preliminary reading on methodological matters.
Methods used during class include brainstorming, making a mind-map of research fields and methods, developing a mock thesis proposal and various forms of intervision and peer review.
There will be 2 groups running at a time: one for the students of the English Track, and one for the students of the tracks French, German, Italian Literature and Culture and the track Literature in Society.
Attendance and active participation is compulsory for all students in the MA Literary Studies; it will be assessed through a testimonium and this will be taken into account in the final assessment of the thesis.
Course objectives
Concise description of the course objectives formulated in terms of knowledge, insight and skills students will have acquired at the end of the course. The relationship between these objectives and achievement levels for the programme should be evident.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Assessment method
Several homework assignments as preparation for and reflection on the seminars.
Attendance and active participation.
Reading list
The booktitles and / or syllabi to be used in the course, where it can be purchased and how this literature should be studied beforehand.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Arsenaal.
Remarks
After completing the thesis seminar classes, you can use additional support (e.g. available room for co-writing sessions, walk-in Q&A) in the following semester. Check the Brightspace page for more information.