INTL 656 Proseminar, Winter 2012
348 PLC; Mondays 12-1:50 p.m., 1/9, 1/16, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12
Office: 307 PLC; 346-3245
Office hours: W 10-12 & by appointment
Proseminar:
Research and Writing in International Studies
This seminar focuses on the mechanics of successfully conducting research on international issues. We will cover such points as conceptualizing research topics, conducting library and field research, and the nuts and bolts of writing a grant application, report and thesis. We will also focus on important points of grammar, syntax and just plain ‘good writing’ that students should always consider whenever they write.
Requirements: This one-credit course can only be taken P/NP. Grading for the course will be assessed on a) participation in classroom discussions; b) participation in writing (and rewriting!) as well as editing and evaluating other students' works; and c) a final essay (3-4 pp.), to be submitted on Monday March 12, in which you address writing problems/issues you became aware of in this course and to which you will be attentive in your future writing.
As this course takes a practical, hands-on approach, readings per se will be minimal. However, whatever is assigned must be completed prior to the class in which it will be discussed (we will have extensive discussions about the readings). The following required books are available for purchase at the U of O bookstore:
James P. Davis The Rowman & Littlefield Guide to Writing with Sources 6th edition, Rowman & Littlefield, 2009
Margot Northey et. al. Making Sense: a Student’s Guide to Research and Writing 4th edition, Oxford University Press, 2009
Recommended: H.W. Fowler & David Crystal A Dictionary of Modern English Usage: the Classic First Edition (Oxford World's Classics) Oxford University Press, 2010
Course Outline
Week I, January 9 Introduction to the course and to issues we shall be exploring;
*Writing assignment discussed: 'An Intellectual History'
Reading: Northey et. al., pp. vii, 1-27
Week II, January 16 Experiences in the field, and making sense of them
Despite this being Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the university is closed, we will still meet at our usual time. Thanks for your cooperation!
*Writing assignment due
Reading: Davis, pp. 1-9, 10-15
Northey et. al., pp. 27-39
Nigel Barley "An English Alien" The Innocent Anthropologist: Notes from a Mud Hut
Penguin Books, 1986, pp. 183-190
BREAK
Week III February 27 Writing: be aware of the basics; form and structure;
quoting and paraphrasing; and Exploring funding possibilities
Please explore resources listed by the Graduate School and International Affairs prior to coming to class. Cari Vanderkar Moore from International Affairs will be joining us from 1-2 pm.
*Proofreading assignment due
Reading: Davis, pp. 16-38
Northey et. al., pp. 69-73, 74-100, 125-139
Week IV, March 5 Evaluating what we have written: proofreading for form and style again
*Second draft (rewrite) due
Reading: Davis, pp. 39-48
Northey et. al., pp. 140-152, 153-167, 168-181
Week V, March 12 Turning a paper into a publication; Discussion (and potluck luncheon!)
*Second proofreading assignment due
Reading: Davis, pp. 49-51, 52-53, 54-64
If you would like Professor Weiss' feedback on your Intellectual History, revise your essay once again, based on the feedback you receive from this second proofed version, and give it to her as soon as possible (but no later than April 15th).