This course is designed to help familiarize incoming MA students with debates in the discipline of literary studies and to equip them with the research and writing skills needed to make a future contribution to conversations in the discipline and beyond. Students will have the chance to learn how to use MLA format; to review and solidify their writing strategies in English; and to learn how to produce academically sound work. But perhaps more importantly, we will investigate what is at stake in doing this kind of work. Our course readings and assignments will consequently try to focus on this bigger picture to enable us to think about how, and toward what ends, we can engage with the project of “doing English.”

Students are expected to attend regularly while also following the latest coronavirus guidelines, to read with care and curiosity, to write ethically, and to bring an open mind to course assignments and class discussions. We will reflect on our previously held commonsense ideas and test them against our course readings.

Method of instruction: This class will have a mix of short lectures and seminar discussion, with a focus on students developing fundamental research and academic writing skills to contribute to the discipline of literary studies and beyond. Students will also have a chance to learn about some of the key research resources at NTU and elsewhere in Taiwan. We will also have a chance to think about the impact of new technologies including generative AI on the work we do in the humanities as researchers and as writers.

**Please note**: If you are an incoming MA student in DFLL and are having trouble registering for this course, please email me ASAP so we can find a solution.