The Cultural Studies M.A. degree requires the writing of a Major Research Paper and the completion of CUST-5000 plus four half course credits.
The one-credit Major Research Paper is modeled on a scholarly journal article of approximately 40-50 pages (excluding bibliography). The Major Research Paper is expected to be completed in one year (three semesters). Under special circumstances a student may be permitted to take one more semester (September to December) to complete the Major Research Paper.
Schedule
First Steps: Proposal
The student will begin preparing their proposals in CUST-5000. The student and supervisor should also meet as soon as possible to discuss the student’s project. Over the course of first term, they should work towards developing an initial proposal of about one page plus a draft bibliography for submission to the prospective second reader. These should both be completed by late December or early January.
Writing this proposal should help the student develop an understanding of the critical questions involved with your topic and help you form a plan of research. A good proposal will allow the supervisor to ensure that the student’s research is heading in a promising direction and that the goals for the MRP are manageable. It also gives the supervisor a chance to provide the student with feedback on possible sources and suggest questions to consider as they pursue their research.
Final Steps: MRP Evaluation
In early August, the student will submit their Major Research Paper to their supervisor(s). The Major Research Paper will be assigned a numerical grade based on the average grade assigned by the supervisor and second reader or examiner.
Required Course Work
CUST-5000Y
CUST-5000 has three aims: (a) to introduce students to some key contemporary issues, problems, and perspectives in cultural studies (b) to provide a forum where students can develop a bridge between these issues and the various elements of their own research projects, particularly in the development of their MA MRP/thesis and project proposals; (c) to foster professional skills in the writing and presentation of academic work. Students will identify topics of particular interest to them and begin preparing and thematizing their essay for our course. We will meet (on average) once a month to work together on a formal research proposal for the MA thesis or project.
Salon Seminars
The Salon Seminar is a public forum, mandatory for MA year 1 and PhD year 1, where speakers, both from Trent and beyond, are invited to talk about their research, teaching, or artistic practice. Salons offer a flexible space where speakers can deliver talks of approximately 40 minutes followed by discussion. Creative and interactive approaches are also welcome. There are approximately five Salons held throughout the year, scheduled on Thursday nights.
Additional Course Work
Course Electives
Students taking the MRP (1-year) option must complete 4 half course electives (or 2.0 credits). The elective is intended to provide background and support for the thesis. The particular choice is worked out in consultation with the Director and the student's Supervisory Committee. There are four options: (1) a graduate course offered at Trent; (2) a graduate reading course (CUST-5900H) arranged with a member of the Program faculty; (3) a specially tailored version of an upper year undergraduate course; and (4) under special circumstances, an appropriate course given at another university.