ENGL 485-01, Senior Seminar: John Fletcher, Spring 2011

Abstract

Building on interpretive skills honed in the Junior Seminar (English 385), the Senior Research Seminar (English 485) offers a focused exploration of special topics or critical problems in literary study. This seminar culminates in a major independent research essay. The first half of the course concentrates on an intensive introduction to the literary period, author, or interpretive concept that organizes the seminar. The second half or the course proceeds as a research seminar, with students pursuing independent reading, presenting material in class, and submitting preliminary writing assignments and drafts. The final seminar 2 paper, at least 20 substantial pages, draws upon both primary and secondary texts. In this project, students develop an independent interpretive argument through sustained engagement with close reading, and situate their argument within pertinent critical history. Finally, every senior delivers a formal oral presentation of their argument derived from this research paper.