MA Seminar 340-AT2-1SEM2

American literature in the face of "experience"

Our seminar discussions will focus on the concept of "experience" and the representation of "experience" in American literature. In particular, I would like to narrow the reflection on this very broad concept to the experience of the city (here the literature of New York will be an example) and the so-called "border experience" (here the literature on genocide will be an example). In addition, seminar participants will deepen their knowledge of literary theory and various ways of analyzing literary texts (e.g. feminism, psychoanalysis, intertextuality, urban studies, trauma studies, etc.). Topics that do not fall within the above subject fields are acceptable, provided that the seminar participant submits a detailed thesis project and bibliography for the promoter's approval.

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).

Howe, Stephen and Kristina Henriksson. PhraseBook for Writing Papers and Research in English. 4th ed., The Whole World Company Press, 2007.
Straus, Jane and Lester Kaufman. The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation. Jossey-Bass, 2014.
Turabian, L. Kate. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Chicago Style for Students & Researchers. 8the ed., The University of Chicago, Press 2008.
Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today. A User-Friendly Guide. The 2nd Edition. Routledge 2006.
The Purdue OWL Family Sites. MLA Formatting and Style Guide.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html Accessed 1 Oct. 2020.

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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 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.