Proseminar: Cultural/Media Studies

obligatory courses
proseminars

The course prepares students to write their BA theses in cultural studies and critical media studies.

The B.A. papers that are prepared within this Proseminar class should analyze chosen primary sources using the methods of ideological criticism or discourse analysis.

First, the course focuses on the research and writing process: it will develop skills such as searching for sources, evaluating and selecting them, formulating theses and constructing the argument, including proper paraphrasing, summarizing, quoting and attributing various types of sources. Second, the course deals with BA requirements – the specificity of BA theses and reviews. Third, the course acquaints students with basic research methods used in media and cultural studies.

Preferably, at the end of the semester, students will have finished one chapter of their BA theses.

Booth, Wayne C. et al. The Craft of Research. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1995.

The Chicago Manual of Style. The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers. 15th Edition.

Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell. The Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide, Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015.

Turabian, Kate. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations.

Taylor, Lisa and Andrew Willis. Media Studies: Texts, Institutions, Audiences. Wiley-Blackwell, 1999.

Williams, Joseph M. Style: Toward Clarity and Grace. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1995.

Upon completion of the course, the student:

KNOWLEDGE:

- Understands the key concepts, theories, and research methods related to cultural/media studies.

- Is aware of the specific requirements for academic work.

- Understands the procedures and norms of the research process.

- Recognizes the differences between academic and non-academic texts, sources, and language.

- Understands the issue of academic integrity and intellectual property, and is aware of the consequences of plagiarism.

SKILLS:

- Can properly plan and conduct a cultural/media analysis on a chosen example.

- Is able to organize the research process leading to the writing of a bachelor's thesis.

- Possesses the necessary skills to evaluate sources (including primary sources and literature).

- Can produce a coherent and logical written argument in English.

- Knows how to document work in the Chicago style and avoid plagiarism.

- Can present research in an accessible and engaging manner.

- Understands the principles of text editing in English.

SOCIAL COMPETENCES:

- Can assess the work of others respectfully and provide constructive criticism.

Active participation and in-class/homework assignments 20%

Final project 70% (including a research proposal 5%, annotated bibliography 10%, outline 5%; the first draft of the final paper 40%, the second draft of the final paper 10%)

In-class presentation 10%.

Grading scale:

Below 60 points - 2 (failed)

60-67 - 3 (satisfactory)

68-74 - 3

75-82 - 4 (good)

83-89 - 4,5

90-100 - 5 (very hood)