ENG3300 – Thesis course, English Literature

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The course gives a brief introduction to research methods and offers insights into the process of writing a paper, with emphasis on how to develop a strong thesis statement, how to use secondary literature and how to conduct a persuasive argument. A guided session in the University library is an integral part of the course.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you:

  • have specialized in an area within English literature.
  • have the ability to select, limit and question a particular topic.
  • know how to use library Resources.
  • acquired skills in conducting an argument in an academic paper.

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Admission to the course is required to attend seminars.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

ENG1303 – British Literature and ENG1304 – American Literature or equivalent.

Recommended previous knowledge

It is recommended that you attend this course in your last semester.

Teaching

Seminar, two hours per week for 7 weeks, including a special library session.

Mandatory course-work:

  • In order to submit the final essay, you must present your thesis draft in class (oral presentation - see below)
  • Attendance is obligatory 5 out of 7 seminars. Additional absences must be justified with documentation to the exam administrator. Read more about guidelines for compulsory activities.

The essay must be based on material studied in a 2000-level course in English literature, preferably taken the same semester as ENG3300. The essay topic or research question will be arrived at in consultation with the teacher of the 2000-level course.

Students are entitled to 2,5 hours individual supervision from the teacher during the semester.

In this course, you need to be your own boss. The “No Teaching” weeks are for reading and writing. You should start writing as soon as you get your thesis statement ("problemstilling") approved by your supervisor. Make a plan and stick to it throughout the semester!

The textbook, They Say, I Say, gives lots of helpful advice on how to write. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the contents, as we will not go through it in any detail in class. Use it as a handbook! You will also be given a handout with guidelines on “How to write a persuasive introduction” that you should study very carefully.

In the course of the semester, you will get two meetings with your supervisor: it is highly recommended that you arrange to see your supervisor face-to-face instead of just communicating by email. The first meeting should be to discuss your thesis statement and get it approved so that you can start writing. After you have submitted your written draft to him/her, you should schedule another meeting to get feedback and suggestions for improvement. It is important that you leave enough time to revise your draft in light of any suggestions made by your supervisor.

In the final two seminars, everyone will present their project in class. You will be expected to present your thesis statement in writing: use whiteboard, PowerPoint or handout. You should also give an outline of the main contents of your thesis (oral presentation with or without PowerPoint). Keep it brief!

Examination

The assessment of the course is based on a term paper of approximately ten pages (4000 words). This does not include references and bibliography.

You must submit your final paper within a certain date at Fronter.

NB! Please write the name of your supervisor on the first page of your essay .

Use of sources and citation

You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.

Language of examination

English

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

Resit an examination

In case of illness, you may apply for a postponed submission date. Please contact the exam administrator.

Withdrawal from an examination

A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.

If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.

Special examination arrangements

Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.

Evaluation

The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.

Reports from periodic evaluations (in Norwegian)

Facts about this course

Credits
10
Level
Bachelor
Teaching
Spring 2016

Taught for the last time spring 2016

Examination
Spring 2016
Teaching language
English