MA Seminar 340-AS2-1SEM2

-choosing the topic and scope of the thesis,

- discussion of sources and methods of their development for individual master's theses,

- detailed analysis of facts and discussion of cultural and social phenomena related to the topic of the work;

- presentation of subsequent steps taken to prepare the work; substantive discussion of the group and the thesis supervisor,

The aim of the course is to prepare students to write their M.A. theses within the field of literary studies. During the classes students will learn about the requirements for a successful M.A. thesis and technical aspects of academic writing/ They will have an opportunity to discuss the choice of the topic and will receive feedback on the progress of their work. The course deals with medievalism in literature, especially fantasy literature. On the one hand, we will focus on the phenomenon of employing medieval ideas, aesthetics, themes and motifs in later literature (19th, 20th, 21st century); on the other hand we will deal with theory of fantastic literature. Other topics will also be allowed provided that they deal with broadly understood fantastic fiction (gothic novel, fantasy, dystopia, sci-fi, paranormal romance, horror, etc).

The aim of the course is to prepare students to write their M.A. theses within the field of literary studies. During the classes students will learn about the requirements for a successful M.A. thesis and technical aspects of academic writing/ They will have an opportunity to discuss the choice of the topic and will receive feedback on the progress of their work. The course deals with medievalism in literature, especially fantasy literature. On the one hand, we will focus on the phenomenon of employing medieval ideas, aesthetics, themes and motifs in later literature (19th, 20th, 21st century); on the other hand we will deal with theory of fantastic literature. Other topics will also be allowed provided that they deal with broadly understood fantastic fiction (gothic novel, fantasy, dystopia, sci-fi, paranormal romance, horror, etc).

Jan Boć, "Jak pisać pracę magisterską", Kolonia Limited, 2009

Umberto Eco, Jak napisać pracę dyplomową. Poradnik dla humanistów, WUW, Warszawa, 2007.

O pisaniu pracy magisterskiej na studiach humanistycznych , Krzysztof Woźniak. Warszawa ; Łódź : Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 1999

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Each student will be required to prepare an oral presentation on a selected topic, act as a discussion-leader, and write a research paper. Active participation in in-class discussions, as well as regular attendance, will also contribute to the final grade. Towards the end of the academic year the students will be asked to submit a tentative M.A. thesis project and its first chapter. All theses have to focus on problems related to American literature, although topics based on comparative approaches will also be considered.
Successful candidates wishing to participate in the seminar should have thorough knowledge of the US literature at the undergraduate (B.A.) level, and an avid interest in literature that goes beyond basic undergraduate requirements.

Each student will be required to prepare an oral presentation on a selected topic, act as a discussion-leader, and write a research paper. Active participation in in-class discussions, as well as regular attendance, will also contribute to the final grade. Towards the end of the 1st semester the students will be asked to submit a tentative M.A. thesis project; towards the 2nd semester they are supposed to submit its first chapter. To complete the second year, student are required to submit a whole M.A. thesis.

Each student will be required to prepare an oral presentation on a selected topic, act as a discussion-leader, and write a research paper. Active participation in in-class discussions, as well as regular attendance, will also contribute to the final grade. Towards the end of the 1st semester the students will be asked to submit a tentative M.A. thesis project; towards the 2nd semester they are supposed to submit its first chapter. To complete the second year, student are required to submit a whole M.A. thesis.