This course will introduce students to interdisciplinary research methodologies and practices, with particular attention to critical themes within the field of American studies, including race, gender, and sexuality. Methods and practices covered will include (but are not limited to): close textual analysis, archival research, quantitative data procurement, interviewing tactics, ethnographic observation, the application of diverse theoretical frameworks, the Institutional Review Board, research ethics, and so on. Students will complete a variety of short assignments throughout the course of the term that will culminate in a final research paper. The class will be held in a seminar format that requires weekly reading, writing, and discussion. |