The catalog describes this seminar quaintly as “an introduction to literary and cultural criticism and to the profession of teaching college English.” We will consider basic research methods, various critical methods and theories emphasized in this program (Textual Studies, Psychoanalytic Studies, Cosmopolitan Studies), pedagogical practices and instructional design in literature and writing departments, and a variety of professional issues—selected for students considering a career in the humanities. The seminar will be structured as a class project, centered on a single (difficult) literary textual object, around which we will build research, reading, and learning objects. Students emphasizing Rhetoric or Creative Writing will be given different research projects that reflect their interests; the broad range of what now constitutes "English Studies" will be considered throughout the course.

Learning Objectives:
Briefly, 1) an introduction to the field, 2) introduction and use of research methods, 3) introduction and use of critical reading practices; 4) introduction to pedagogy and course design for active, engaged learning.

Texts:
Keats (ed Stillinger), Complete Poems, 978-0674154315, Belknap
Harner, Literary Research Guide, 2nd ed., 0-87352-983-9, MLA
Semenza, Graduate Study for the Twenty-First Century, 978-1403969361, Palgrave
Gibaldi, MLA Handbook, 6th ed, 978-0873529860, MLA
Nelson & Watt, Office Hours, 978-0415971867, Routledge

*Bracher, Radical Pedagogy, 978-1403975621, Palgrave
*Robbins, et al/ Social Text Collective, Cosmopolitics, 978-0816630684, U MINN P
*Finkelstein, Introduction to Book History, 978-0415314435, Routledge
*Finkelstein, et al., Book History Reader, 978-0415226585, Routledge
*Lanham, Revising Prose, 5th ed., 978-0321441690, Longman

Online materials on WebCT Vista; secondary critical materials from Ohiolink and Kentlink.

Requirements, etc.:
Weekly assignments will include collaborative research, pedagogy, and professional issues projects; regular seminar presentations and critques; online work will include reflective discussions and shared learning exercises.  All students will submit a final seminar paper centered on the class research project.

Policies: We will discuss the expected graduate student behavior, but suffice it to summarize briefly here: professional demeanor and habits, academic integrity, a passion for the work.

Office & Hours: I am available by appointment and will be in my office (209d SFH) for consultation before & after class for 30 minutes. I will be available on WebCT Vista off&on during the day and evening, and I encourage you to contact me via email at raymond.craig@kent.edu for questions and to arrange for longer consultations. My phone number is 672-1741. Leave voice mail messages at the same number.

You will be using Web Vista at vista.kent.edu. Use your Kent State userid and password for access.