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, the student will be asked to ground themselves in one major piece of literary work from the MAES Programme and connect it to another work that is not on our syllabi to extend their knowledge and to develop an original topic to pursue independently. The student will have bi-weekly writing assignments to ensure that they are keeping up with the pace of research required.

 

The Capstone Experience will culminate in three major research outputs:

1) An essay of 2,500-3,000 words 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, 2023 (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 biweekly basis. Once the project is approved, these classes will alternate with Dr Murray’s creative component classes, which may meet in small groups to optimise discussion and development of ideas. We will also run mini ‘clinics’ to ensure everyone is staying on task and working towards their deadlines.

 

 

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

Creative output with concept statement: 20%

Essay (2500-3000 words): 40%

Conference presentation: 20%