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