This course offers a general introduction to academic writing. It focuses on analyzing texts, building effective arguments, and using evidence and secondary source material. How do we identify and analyze the main arguments of a text? What kind of responses can we offer to such arguments? How do we present our own thoughts, analysis, and arguments when writing a paper? How do we write literature review and theoretical background? What is the proper way to write bibliography and footnotes? Through presentations, readings, discussion, and in class exercises, students will develop writing and editing skills necessary for their success as graduate students.

2024 Course Syllabus

2024-2025 Course Syllabus

This course teaches students how to design and execute an original research project in the field of Holocaust Studies. Our aim is practical—to guide students through the MA thesis-writing process, as well as conceptual—asking what makes a research project valuable, compelling, and original. This course differs from other courses in the program, in which students are required to read much. While reading in this course will be minimal, the students will be asked to write a substantial number of short texts, with the goal of sharpening students’ critical perspectives and providing them with useful techniques of written (as well as oral) articulation. The students are encouraged to apply these techniques on the topics they are interested in and use this course as a platform for improving their research and writing skills for the purpose of working on an MA thesis.

2024 Course Syllabus