Singapore University of Social Sciences

Capstone Project in English Literature

Capstone Project in English Literature (ELT499)

Synopsis

This is a year-long research project course for Honours students in their last year of study in the programme. It offers students the opportunity to extend their knowledge about a particular topic in English Literature. Students will learn to conceptualize, analyze, conduct research, and adopt the appropriate research methods and presentation in their chosen field of study.

Level: 4
Credit Units: 10
Presentation Pattern: Every January
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

  • Requirements of the course
  • Selecting a research topic
  • Conducting research
  • Writing the research proposal
  • Discuss feasibility of proposed topic and how to do a literature review
  • Feedback on topic proposal
  • Research and presentation; project thesis and strategies
  • Feedback on Project Proposal: direction for the project
  • Update on progress; feedback on project outline
  • Discuss the research and any issues
  • Discuss the research and any issues
  • Prepare for submission of Project Paper
  • Submission of the Project Paper
  • Prepare for the Oral Presentation

Learning Outcome

  • Propose a focus for the project.
  • Analyze the distinctive literary and thematic characteristics of the chosen texts in connection to the topic.
  • Examine the impact of socio-political and cultural factors on the texts, where required.
  • Debate the validity of competing positions and academic approaches for the topic.
  • Critique the existing scholarship on the topic.
  • Formulate a thesis that addresses the issues in question.
  • Support the thesis with evidence and pertinent discussion that contributes to the existing scholarship.
  • Select appropriate primary and secondary texts for the project.
  • Design the relevant framework and methodological approach to collect and analyze data.
  • Compose a literature review and a cogent written response in a project paper that lays out the relevant background, concepts, and argumentation.
  • Revise a scholarly paper according to the Modern Language Association guidelines.
  • Appraise the relevant material to be put together for a formal oral presentation.
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