Research Colloquium in Comparative Media Arts CA 822 (4)
The research colloquium is a core course taken in the final semester of the MA program. It develops students' research presentation skills and other aspects of professional development. In it students develop two extended research essays under the supervision of the faculty member leading the colloquium. The course guides students in methods of writing extended prose works, including strategies to move through writer's block. We will devote time to developing public presentation skills for a variety of venues. Students submit drafts of their extended essays to their peers and make a formal presentation, followed by detailed discussion. Peer review evaluates the framing of the research topic and research problem, timeliness, originality, appropriateness of research methods, depth of research, structure and effectiveness of argument, and style. Students are guided in peer review, developing useful and specific comments that will help their peers in revising the essay for publication. In the colloquium students also learn how to develop their work for publication, including identifying their audience, choosing an appropriate venue for publication, and submitting their work for publication. We discuss issues regarding publication such as permissions for reproducing artworks, contracts, and responding to peer review. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MA in Comparative Media Arts or permission of instructor. Students with credit for FPA 822 may not take this course for further credit.