This course has taken what is normally an intensive end-of-semester task–composing a research-based final seminar paper or similar concluding project–and stretched it out across the semester. We began by deepening our knowledge of critical theories that inform our engagement with literature and culture more broadly. We proceeded carefully read Tropic of Orange, focusing intently on possible theoretical angles of insight we could use to engage the text. We then moved on to explore the critical conversation surrounding the text, focusing not just on the various approaches to Tropic, but how critics make their arguments–how they write, cite, join a conversation, frame their work historically and theoretically, and so on.
Now that we have done this preparatory work, we are ready to take what we’ve done so far and transform it into a seminar paper. A separate handout on the course website will introduce some models for how seminar papers in graduate school are typically organized. The basic requirements are as follows:
- Length: ~ 12-15 pages
- Argument Sources: closely engage at least 3 critical sources (“A” sources in the BEAM model) and cite at least 5 total
- Background Sources: include at least 2 sources that inform some background or context for your argument
- Method Sources: include at least 2 sources that help you establish your methodological or theoretical framework
- Exhibit: deep and focused engagement, via close reading, with your grounding text–in this case, Tropic
This final seminar project will go through a few different phases. We will begin with a proposal, and proceed through peer review and one-on-one conferences. We will conclude with a mini “conference” at which you deliver a version of your final project. At the conference, you will also offer a reflection on the process and your own development as a writer, critic, and scholar (past and future).
Note: you are not only allowed but also encouraged to repurpose all the good writing you’ve done for both major assignments and minor discussion posts.