This course is a problem-oriented research colloquium in which students will have the chance to talk about their work, discuss theories and methodologies and peer-review their written work and presentation skills. Designed for BA and Master candidates who are in the process of writing their final theses in literary and cultural studies, this colloquium will address especially three of the central aspects of a convincing academic thesis: (a) how to find the relevant scholarship for the topic under consideration; (b) how to evaluate scholarly, literary and cultural sources and how to use them correctly, critically and productively; (c) how to develop a sustained argument. Participants are expected to present material from their theses and to critique the work of their fellow students.