*Note: The ENGL7998 course code is only applicable to students admitted in 2023-24 or before. Students admitted in 2024-25 and thereafter can only choose the ENGL7994 course code. 

Each student will develop and present a final research project in literature as part of the fulfilment of the requirements for the MAES degree. Students will have the opportunity to pursue their own research interests and work independently towards a specific, critical argument in the field of cross-cultural studies and utilise a wide range of ‘texts’ to support their theoretical framework. This capstone course will:

a) Provide in-depth instruction surrounding the capstone experience

b) Introduce key steps and stages of the final research project (e.g. guidelines on formulating aims and research questions, utilising criticism, structuring extended essays, presentation skills)

c) Offer possible theoretical approaches and give individual guidance to students so as to help them formulate a topic and delineate the scope of their research.

Instructors will also suggest further reading, give feedback on proposals and comment on drafts. Class time will thus consist of discussions on research methods, theoretical considerations, peer editing and presentation skills. The project proposal must be submitted for approval before proceeding to the next stage, and students are expected to spend much of their time during the course on independent research and writing.

For the capstone project in literature, students will be asked to develop an original research project based on readings and coursework from the MAES Programme and extended independently. Students will be guided and advised on their projects in a series of weekly lectures and workshops as well as individual and group consultations.

The Capstone Experience will culminate in three major research outputs:

1) An essay on your research project. Students on track to receive a Distinction can apply to write an extended essay of up to 5000 words

2) A creative output based on the final essay (e.g., poster, film, website, performance, original composition, short story etc.) with a concept statement (500-700 words)

3) Presentation at the MAES conference in May, 2025 (exact date TBC).

Other objectives include:

• To learn independent research skills
• To have the option of developing team skills within a creative group project
• To construct an argument within or against a prevailing body of critical work on a particular cross-cultural topic
• To situate that research within larger academic and non-academic discursive fields
• To present one’s argument coherently in front of an audience and to respond to critical questions
• To communicate ideas in a creative format to have impact on the larger community

 

Methodological classes with Dr. Heim, Dr. Gresham, and Dr. Ng will meet on a weekly basis, except for February 26, which is reserved for a workshop on creative projects, which will be led by Dr. Murray. The class will be organized into peer groups, who will be advised by one of the co-teachers and will serve as primary interlocutors to each other in the development of their research and writing projects. Additional group meetings may be scheduled outside class and students are also welcome to consult their primary advisors individually. Detailed instructions will be given in class and on Moodle.

 

Class coursework and participation: 20% (attendance, participation, early drafts of work)

Creative output with concept statement: 20%

Essay: 40%

Conference presentation: 20%