IPP Workshop Series: Methodology of Research in Literature
- https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/ggkgcsc/ggk-gcsc-calendar/winter-semester-2627/ipp/ipp-workshop-series-methodology-of-research-in-literature
- IPP Workshop Series: Methodology of Research in Literature
- 2026-11-26T14:00:00+01:00
- 2026-11-26T16:00:00+01:00
// João Henrique da Costa Sol Afonso
Based on Metodologia de Pesquisa em Literatura (2020), by the Brazilian scholar Fábio Akcelrud Durão, this workshop aims to provide a general introduction to research methodology in Literary Studies.
Although this fundamental skill is generally expected of those pursuing an academic career, it is not uncommon for researchers at all stages to lack a clear understanding of what research methodology entails, let alone to reflect critically on their own research practices.
The workshop’s primary objective is to introduce participants to the structure and purpose of academic research, discussing, among other topics, the characteristics of a doctoral thesis and a book, as well as the differences between a research project and a research proposal, or between an article and an essay.
Particular attention will be devoted to the structuration of a research project, including the selection of a corpus, textual analysis, critical argumentation, and interpretation, together with the notions of what constitutes a scientific, justified, and convincing argument. The workshop will also emphasise the importance of acquiring the conceptual vocabulary of Literary Studies, paying close attention to disciplinary terminology and to the role of scholarly associations, such as the Modern Language Association.
In doing so, participants will gain a broader understanding of research practices within Literary Studies and related disciplines, while also being encouraged to reflect critically on their own research methods and academic practice.
The workshop is open to researchers at all career stages, including doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and master’s students.
Throughout the workshop, I intend to create a highly interactive environment in which participants are encouraged to contribute, ask questions, and, should this be the case, express differing viewpoints. Everyone will be invited to share their own experiences and research practices during the session.
The workshop will therefore alternate between short presentations and open discussion. It also aims to encourage participants to reflect critically on their own research practices and to highlight the importance of becoming actively involved in scholarly associations within their respective fields and areas.
Please sign up here for the course!
Please note that a minimum of five participants is needed for the workshop to be able to take place two weeks before taking place. Please sign up on Stud.IP well in advance and note that your attendance is binding. Should you not be able to attend last minute, please inform the IPP team and the workshop leader.