This course introduces you to the world of research; the current profession; your department and our research and writing expectations for you. Class lectures and discussions will include expanding domains of current research materials available in both print and electronic media; the variety of methods in current English studies. You will become familiar with some of the intellectual endeavors that make up modern research in the humanities, begin your own research, and refine the formal, professional oral and written presentation of your information.

Learning Outcomes:

• write MLA citation and bibliographic form correctly
  
• formulate useful research questions in cogent writing
  
• become conversant in some current methodologies and fields of research
  
• prepare skills for a successful MA career and capstone project
  

Required Print Texts @ NCSU Bookstore

Course Requirements:

•  Attendance:  since the class meets only once a week, consistent attendance is critical. If you miss more than 3 classes without a suitably mature and serious excuse, you will not pass.
  for excused absence defined, see  University Attendance Policy
  

• written assignments: assignments are due either in class, printed out on paper, or emailed as files by specified times. See below for which submission rules apply for each assignment*

• oral presentation of abstract

• participation : always come to class on time, with the appropriate texts, having read and thought about them enough to have something specific and intelligent to say or write about them.

*Late assignments are accepted only one class late, and with penalty. Any assignments arriving later than that will not be accepted.

How I Figure Your Grades

• You must earn passing grades on 6 of 10 written assignments to pass the course.
  You must complete all the required work to pass the class. No opting out of assigned work. 
  Each assignment is graded s/u (pass/fail), and so is the course.
  

You must complete all the required work to pass the class.  I will grade plus/minus.

Plagiarism: Anyone convicted will receive an F for the paper, or the course at my discretion.
And yes, I have caught people in the past.

Late Papers: Papers received ONE class session late will be accepted but docked a full grade.
No late papers will be accepted after one class session late.

Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus
            Box 7509, 515-7653. http://www.ncsu.edu/dso/

Academic Integrity Assumption
Universities are unique communities committed to creating and transmitting knowledge. They depend on freedom - individuals' freedom to explore ideas and to explore and further their own capabilities. Those freedoms depend on the good will and responsible behavior of all the members of the community, who must treat each other with tolerance and respect. They must allow each other to develop the full range of their capabilities and take full advantage of the institution's resources.

Career Guidance
Wondering how that English degree might get you a job?

CHASS CAREER SERVICES: Career Development Center, 2100 Pullen Hall. careers.ncsu.edu

Online materials have made syllabi dynamic works in progress. If useful additional material comes to our attention they can be added into the final column of the grid below.

Readings listed for a given week shall be completed before you attend class that week; assignments are due in class on your class day.