Proseminar

ENGL 200 | Prof. Daniel Scott Snelson
http://dss-edit.com | dsnelson @ humnet
Tuesdays | THE INTERNET | 3:00-5:50pm (?)
Office Hours: danny snelson .youcanbook.me

Abstract

An introduction to the profession of literary studies. The course will cover a wide array of topics including (but not limited to): the state of the discipline; scholarly organizations and conference presentations; critical and methodological approaches to literary studies; writing and publishing for scholarly and general audiences; building a CV and a resume; developing professional skills; understanding the academic job market and humanities careers.

Required Texts

Everything will be made available online.

Syllabus Info

As a general outline for the course, take note that these are broad strokes subject to change. This seminar is fully interactive, growing and responding to its users. Each week will build on previous weeks, class conversations, and the directions that our study happens to follow. The content of the syllabus will be updated regularly as a result, though the requirements will remain fixed. The syllabus will only be completed after we finish the course, and all collective research into the profession has been conducted.

Attendance Policy

Given the brevity of the quarter, unexcused absences will cut into your participation percentage. If you must miss a class, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with me both before and after the absence. Proposals for interaction commensurate with a three-hour seminar session will be accepted.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will develop strategies and tactics for navigating graduate studies at UCLA and academic professions more generally. Technical skills for research, collaboration, and scholarly production will be analyzed and enhanced. Collectively, the course participants will produce curriculum for the study of the fields, organizations, publications, careers, methodologies, genres, and communities that comprise the discipline.

Discord Server

Between seminar sessions, we’ll continue an ongoing conversation over Discord. An invitation and signup to the dedicated (private) server will occur on our first meeting. This is a platform for informal conversation and advance preparation for seminar meetings and course actions. Responsive posts are encouraged.

Tech Use

Much of this course will require hands-on interaction with websites, collaborative docs, or an expanded range of social platforms. As such, you will need access to a laptop or computer (more than a tablet or phone) for most sessions. If you have any questions or concerns on this point, please don’t hesitate to ask, we’ll find a solution!

Access Note

This course aims to facilitate access to research and exploration across a variety of platforms. Please don’t hesitate to draw attention to any point of access that might be improved: from the volume of the conversation, the size of text, the mode of access to video conferencing, and so forth. All possible accommodations will be made. Additionally, or for more information, you may contact the CAE at (310) 825-1501, or access the CAE website at www.cae.ucla.edu.