75365 - Thesis Preparatory Workshop

Learning outcomes

Students expand their skills in the field of feminist theories and methodologies, equal opportunities and civil rights and master the knowledge of the practical tools which are necessary for the conduct of the research activities aimed at the writing of the final thesis. Students are able to independently carry out their research by identifying 'case' studies which are relevant for women’s and gender studies’ as for equal opportunities issues. Students are also able to contextualize and compare the different primary sources that they intend to investigate in their final dissertation.

Course contents

The seminar is intended primarily for Women’s and Gender Studies students who plan to write their undergraduate thesis on topics related to academic disciplines of the GEMMA Master Programme.

During the seminar, the following topics will be covered:

• What an undergraduate thesis is;
• Identifying the thesis topic;
• Defining the structure of the thesis;
• Conducting bibliographic, videographic, and web-based research;
• Using sources (textual, iconographic, audiovisual, and oral);
• Research methods;
• Organizing and writing the thesis (formatting, footnotes, bibliography, and supplementary materials);
• Writing the abstract and selecting keywords.

Students with SLDs or temporary or permanent disabilities: we suggest that you contact the relevant university office ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) and your teacher immediately to work together to find the most effective strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for exams.
Any requests for exam accommodations must be made at least 15 days before the date of the exam, by sending an email to the teacher and copying (Cc) the email address disabilita@unibo.it (in case of disability) or dsa@unibo.it (for students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

AI: the use of AI is prohibited to summarise novels and essays (students should develop a personal and independent critical thinking and ability in argumentation), as well as during oral exams. Any use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Readings/Bibliography

During the seminar, reference will be made to the following texts that are intended not as required course readings, but as resources that may prove useful in supporting the planning and writing of the thesis:

• Umberto Eco, How to Write a Thesis, Cambridge, MIT Press, 2015.

• Rita Monticelli, “I would rather be a cyborg than a goddess”: Genealogies, Re-Visions of the Body, and Feminist Figurations [https://cris.unibo.it/handle/11585/697314], in: Women’s Voices and Genealogies in Literary Studies in English, Newcastle upon Tyne, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2019, pp. 41 - 56.

Teaching methods

The Course will consist of both frontal lectures (designed to outline some general guidelines, share working methodologies and offer reference examples) and classroom exercises, to be carried out individually or in small groups.

Assessment methods

Laboratory activities do not result in a grade but in a pass/fail assessment.

Active participation by students is strongly recommended.

AI: the use of AI is prohibited to summarise novels and essays (students should develop a personal and independent critical thinking and ability in argumentation), as well as during oral exams. Any use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Reading and analysis of textual documents, viewing and analysis of videos and images, classroom exercises.

Office hours

See the website of Cristina Gamberi