“La Bibliothèque de Babel” by Erik Desmazières (illustration for Borges’ story of same name)
This core course will provide students with the necessary foundations in academic research practices required for their MAES coursework and capstone projects in both literary studies and linguistics. Students will be introduced to, and assessed on their knowledge and understanding of, the source citation and referencing conventions of both MLA (Modern Languages Association) and APA (American Psychological Association) styles. The course will also cover matters of academic integrity and research ethics, how to locate, evaluate, and responsibly incorporate and engage with sources in academic writing, as well as other essential strategies and skills for conducting independent research at the postgraduate level.
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To familiarize students with proper source citation and referencing conventions in MLA (9th edition) and APA (7th edition) styles, including in-text citations and final reference list/bibliography
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To encourage student reflection on and understanding of differences between MLA and APA (and their relationship to different disciplinary practices and methods in literary studies and linguistics respectively)
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To develop student awareness of research ethics and academic integrity (what these mean and why they matter)
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To develop student understanding of those practices which violate institutional regulations on academic integrity (including plagiarism in its various forms, falsification, and unauthorized use of AI) and their consequences, and to equip students with the knowledge and skills to produce work that conforms with ethical standards and expectations
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
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Cite their sources in-text and format a final reference list/bibliography in both MLA (9th ed.) and APA (7th ed.) styles.
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Identify appropriate sources on their research topics (using library databases, on-site resources, electronic resources, etc.); assess source quality, reliability, and relevance; and produce an annotated bibliography based on their research.
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Distinguish between ethical and unethical academic writing and research practices; identify and recognize various forms of plagiarism (idea plagiarism, word-for-word plagiarism, patchwriting), falsification, and unethical use of AI; ensure their work conforms with institutional standards of academic integrity and research ethics.
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Summarize, paraphrase, and quote; responsibly integrate sources into academic writing with appropriate citations/acknowledgement; and effectively record and keep track of information and sources in the research process (through accurate notetaking, etc.).
Participation 20%
Plagiarism and citation test 20%
In-Class assignments 30% (presentations, activities, quizzes)
Group Annotated Bibliography 30%
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association: The Official Guide to APA Style. 7th ed., American Psychological Association, 2020.
MLA Handbook. 9th ed., Modern Languages Association of America, 2021.
Booth, Wayne C., et al. The Craft of Research, 4th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2016. (available via HKUL)