This course’s Final Project (worth 30% of your final grade), which is due on May 19th, consists in a Cultural Studies research project. It is inspired by the Public Humanities
1) Format :
1,200-word academic research paper
2) Remember that this is a Cultural Studies project, which means that it should address the interconnectedness between culture and politics (in a broad sense), as discussed in sessions 3-4
You can find it below in pdf
3) Choose one specific object of analysis (a “text” or cultural phenomenon):
A movie, TV show, or videogame
A song, music video, album, or artist
A short story, poem, or book
A social movement, artivism practices
Political communication, propaganda
Fashion
(Anything that can be considered “culture” or a “text” in Cultural Studies)
4) Your project should be centered around a thesis, that is, a new and original idea. Think of it this way: what do you have to say about your object of study that has not been said already? (And remember you must have received my approval on your Final Project proposal)
5) Your project should be current and relevant. Why does this object of study matter to us today? How can you connect it with present-day issues and discussions? Why should your audience care about it?
6) Minimum required number of cited sources: 4 (including at least 1 work/text from the course). You can use both academic and non-academic sources (keeping in mind that academic sources are much more solid and reliable). With your submission, make sure to include a written list of references, preferably in APA style.
7) AI policy: AI allowed only for brainstorming and proofreading. Presenting long AI-generated passages or ideas as if they were your own is not allowed (as it constitutes plagiarism and academic dishonesty). The work you submit should reflect your own ideas and research. Using AI-powered academic research engines (Elicit, ConnectedPapers) is allowed, but you should only cite sources which you have actually read (AI tends to “hallucinate” quotes and sources, which renders it unreliable). Dishonest uses of GenAI in this assignment will automatically result in a zero grade. Please contact me if you have any doubts about this policy.
Grading rubric:
Originality, critical thinking, effort (30%)
Meaningful connections with course contents, discussions, and materials (20%)
Currency and relevance (15%)
Quality of the sources and concepts used (15%)
Professionalism (overall presentation, following instructions, meeting deadline) (20%)
