Research Methods aims to introduce students to the basic principles and procedures of literary research. Students learn how to define and evaluate valid research questions, conduct research using both print and online (digital/electronic) resources, and create well organized bibliographies. Students also learn how to find, retrieve, and organize relevant primary and secondary sources, as well as how to analyze and evaluate these sources. The ultimate objective is to write a proposal for a research project in American and/or British Literature with an abstract, keywords, definition of the research question, project description (expected content and development), and annotated bibliography. Students learn to write their paper and document their sources in an annotated bibliography using the MLA style. At the end of the semester, students will write a research paper and present their findings orally in a mock conference format. In addition to the class meetings with the course instructor, the course also includes guest lectures by established scholars who will introduce their research, reflect on problems that may arise during the course of research projects, and share their experience with students.

Research Methods is a required course in the MA in American and British Literature. Students will learn to conduct basic library research. This includes learning how to locate and use print sources and how to use electronic databases and other data collections. Students will learn how to retrieve, analyze, organize, and use the data they have found. Furthermore, students will learn how to review, evaluate, and question the sources they are finding. They will learn to present sources in MLA style in an annotated bibliography. Students will also practice how to synthesize academic readings in a clear voice. Students will learn how to write a proposal for a research project in American and/or British Literature with annotated bibliography of their own choice. Students will learn to develop a topic and write a research paper on a topic related to the course materials. Students will also learn to present their research paper findings orally and answer questions from the audience.

Students are required to buy a selection of primary works. Secondary materials will be collected by the teacher and students will be provided with the required reading materials throughout the semester.

Modern Language Association of America. MLA Handbook. 8th edition, New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2016


Duffy, Carol Ann. Faery Tales. London, Faber and Faber, 2020.

McNeal, Tom. Far Far away. New York, Ember 2013; 2014. [Hansel and Gretel]

Napoli, Donna Jo. Bound. New York, Simon Pulse, 2004; 2006. [Cinderella]

Tatar, Maria, ed. The Classic Fairy Tales. A Norton Critical Edition. New York and London, W.W. Norton, 1999.

Warner, Marina. Fairy Tale. A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2018