*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. 

The Capstone Experience allows students to demonstrate and integrate what they have learned throughout the programme in a major individual project. 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 literary studies from a cross-cultural perspective.  Students will be expected to  utilise a wide range of ‘texts’ to support their theoretical framework. This capstone course will guide students through the process of formulating and conceptualizing their projects, conducting their research, and organizing their findings in a substantial piece of academic writing as well as a creative work. Instructors will suggest further reading, give feedback on proposals, and comment on drafts.

Class time will consist of discussions on research methods, theoretical considerations, peer editing and presentation skills in a combination of lectures and workshops, for which the class may be divided into peer groups. In addition to class time, there will be individual consultations for students to discuss their plans and progress with an instructor who will serve as advisors.

For the capstone project in literature, the student will be asked to ground themselves in one major literary work from the MAES Programme and develop their project by exploring connections with other works, across syllabi and beyond, to extend and integrate their knowledge and to produce an original inquiry. Detailed instructions and guidance on the types of projects to pursue will be provided.

The Capstone Experience in Literature will culminate in three major outputs:

1) A research essay of approximately 5000 words. Students on track to receive a Distinction can apply to write a longer dissertation of up to 10,000 words

2)  Participation in one of four creative components offered by MAES with appropriate creative output plus a short critical reflection paper or concept statement:

• Hamlet: the Shakespeare production

• Hong Kong Impressions: photography or photographic collage only, focussed on our city

• Dragonfly festival: creative writing and public reading of fiction, non-fiction or poetry

• Local/Focal festival: short films, documentaries etc.

3) Presentation at the MAES conference in May 2026 (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

The course will be taught in a combination of in-class lectures and workshops and individual or group consultations with Dr. Ho and other instructors. Dr. Murray will lead instruction in the creative component and will advise students on their creative projects.

 

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

Creative output with concept statement                      20%

Extended Essay                                                                 40%

Conference presentation                                                 20%