Download Course Assignments (PDF File)
● Seminar Discussion and Participation (20%): This is a three hour graduate seminar style class so each class meeting is mandatory and attendance is taken seriously. For absences, please notify me in advance why you will be missing class (i.e. emergency etc.).You are responsible for the required readings and encouraged to participate in discussions. Seminars are a collective endeavors so they require everyones' engagement and participation to succeed. I highly recommend that you keep a weekly journal in which you can reflect upon and respond to the readings. You should come to class prepared, with questions or points of discussion in your writing journal, and prepared to contribute to the week's discussion of the readings. I expect you all to show respect and courtesy to your peers and instructor, and work to create a non-competitive atmosphere where everyone can be nurtured and encouraged to succeed in graduate school.
● Leading Discussion (20%) : Each graduate student is required to lead a discussion on a required reading(s) beginning Week 2 until the last day. As part of leading discussion you need to prepare a handout (limited to 2 pages, front and backside) with the following: (1) critical commentary (2) why you liked or disliked the reading (3) questions for class discussion. You should select the readings during the first week of class, either by sending an e-mail or notifying me during break or after class. Please make copies of the handout for everyone. You may also send it via e-mail one day prior. Typically, we will begin class with updates, reminders, announcements then the instructor will lead discussion for the first hour, then we will have a 10 minute break. Then, the graduate student will lead the discussion for at least half-hour and then the instructor will take over until remainder of the class, so each student should plan to lead discussion for approximately half-hour. To accomodate everyone we might have to double up on some weeks.
● Book Review (20%): Each person is required to write a 5-6 page review of a book within the field of American Studies. The book review should follow the format of American Quarterly's book reviews so I encourage you to browse through this journal. The book must be outside the reading assigned for this class. You may use books that were recommended for the course still available at the bookstores or you may choose another book with instructor approval. The book review is DUE on Wedenesday, November 29th, 2006.
● Final Project: (40%) To accommodate graduate students who are at different stages of their academic career I decided to offer four options to choose from (see below). You need to let me know which option you have chosen. The Final Project is due by 5pm on December 15th, 2006.
1) Dissertation Chapter
For those writing their masters or dissertation thesis, you will be
required to turn in a copy of a new chapter. This chapter must incorporate readings, themes, theoretical concepts addressed in the course.
2) Scholarly Paper for Portfolio
To complete the American Studies portfolio you are required to have two substantial scholarly research papers with publication potential and with at least one presented at a scholarly conference, a position paper defining your fields of study within American Studies and a dissertation prospectus. For this option, you may choose either a research paper, position paper or the dissertation prospectus.
3) Webpage/Electronic/Multimedia Project
This option is for those graduate students who are choosing the electronic/multimedia format option for their M.A. of Ph.D. You may make a film video or a website related to major events, themes, and concepts in the field of American Studies. Along with the webpage you are required to include a 5-6 page narrative contextualizing the material presented in the webpage and situating the project within the field of American Studies.
4) Course Syllabus
For those interested in teaching within the fields of American Studies, Ethnic Studies or Women Studies this option is best for you. The syllabus must include a course description and course objectives (2 pages); course requirements (1 page); list of course readings (1 page); list of video/films; each part must include an introductory paragraph and a course outline (no dates required). The syllabus should be from 8-12 pages.
Sample Syllabus (PDF File)
5) Creative Writing Project
This option consists of writing poetry, prose, fiction. The instructor will require that the material inclused some contextualizing narrative in a traditional analytical format.
Special Notes:
* The instructor reserves the right to modify and make any changes to the syllabus during the semester.
*Academic Dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of completing academic work. If caught students we be punished according to university guidelines: WAC 504-25-015.
*Students with Disabilities: I am committed to providing assistance to help you be successful in this course. Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. Please go to the Disability Resource Center (DRC) during the first two weeks of every semester to seek information or to qualify for accommodations. All accommodations MUST be approved through the DRC, located in the Administration Annex Bldg, Room 205. To make an appointment with a disability counselor, please call 335-3417.
* Cellular Phones and other Communication Devices: Please turn off your cell phones, laptop computers, and other communication devices (i.e. blackberries) before coming to class