ENGL 716 Seminar in American Literature

The purpose of this topic-driven seminar is to equip the student with advanced knowledge of targeted American literary eras and influential figures. Extensive knowledge is expected at the doctoral level to show the breadth of expertise in each major area of studies in English, resulting in scholarly exploration, critical analysis, valuable insights, as well as a broadening of one’s intellectual outlook.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be 500-550 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge by including 2 citations from the course readings. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 250-300 words and include 1 citation. The Discussion must be in current MLA or APA format.

Group Discussions (3)

For this collaborative discussion, the instructor will place the student into a group at the beginning of the course. The student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Group Discussion. Each thread must be 500-550 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge by including 2 citations from the course readings. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to all other classmates’ threads within the assigned small group. Each reply must be 250-300 words and contain 1 citation. The Group Discussions must be in current MLA or APA format.

Close Reading Assignments (5)

The student will write 2- to 3-page papers in current APA or MLA format that focus on assigned readings. Students must review weekly announcements for other required readings. The paper must include at least 2 secondary sources with citations in addition to the course texts and the Bible.

Proposed Seminar Paper Topic Assignment

The student will write a paper of 150-250 words in current APA or MLA format that focuses on a topic selected by the student and then approved by the instructor. The paper must include at least 3 secondary sources in addition to the course texts and the Bible.

Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The student will produce a bibliography in current APA or MLA format that presents a body of research resources that will be considered for a major upcoming research project, the Seminar Paper. The bibliography must include at least 20 secondary sources in addition to the course texts and the Bible. The assignment must also include the proposed title of the paper, a condensed thesis statement, and a brief annotation of relevance below each selected source.

Seminar Paper Assignment

The student will write a 15- to 20-page research-based paper in current APA or MLA format that focuses on the theme of study in this particular academic term and the paper’s topic must be approved in advance by the course instructor. The paper must include at least 20 secondary sources in addition to the course texts and the Bible.