How To Write A BA Thesis

by Lipson, Charles

• ISBN13: 9780226481265
• ISBN10: 0226481263
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-05-15
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

The senior thesis is the capstone of a college education, but writing one can be a daunting prospect. Students need to choose their own topic and select the right adviser. Then they need to work steadily for several months as they research, write, and manage a major independent project. Now there's a mentor to help. How to Write a BA Thesis is a practical, friendly guide written by Charles Lipson, an experienced professor who has guided hundreds of students through the thesis-writing process. This book offers step-by-step advice on how to turn a vague idea into a clearly defined proposal, then a draft paper, and, ultimately, a polished thesis. Lipson also tackles issues beyond the classroom-from good work habits to coping with personal problems that interfere with research and writing. Filled with examples and easy-to-use highlighted tips, the book also includes handy time schedules that show when to begin various tasks and how much time to spend on each. Convenient checklists remind students which steps need special attention, and a detailed appendix, filled with examples, shows how to use the three main citation systems in the humanities and social sciences: MLA, APA, and Chicago. How to Write a BA Thesis will help students work more comfortably and effectively-on their own and with their advisers. Its clear guidelines and sensible advice make it the perfect text for thesis workshops. Students and their advisers will refer again and again to this invaluable resource. From choosing a topic to preparing the final paper, How to Write a BA Thesis helps students turn a daunting prospect into a remarkable achievement.

Author Biography

Charles Lipson is professor and director of undergraduate studies in political science at the University of Chicago. He is the author of Doing Honest Work in College.

Table of Contents

I. GETTING STARTED
How to Read This Book	3	(6)
Introduction	9	(3)
Useful Nuts and Bolts	12	(25)
II. FRAMING YOUR TOPIC
Taking Effective Notes and Avoiding Plagiarism	37	(29)
Refining Your Topic, Writing a Proposal, and Beginning Research	66	(23)
III. CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH
What Is Good Thesis Research?	89	(10)
Using Case Studies Effectively	99	(11)
Every Thesis Should Have a Thesis	110	(13)
IV. WRITING YOUR BEST
Planning and Prewriting: How Do They Help Your Thesis?	123	(20)
Writing Your Best	143	(16)
Effective Openings, Smooth Transitions, and Strong Closings	159	(18)
Good Editing Makes Good Writing	177	(15)
Presenting Information Visually	192	(41)
V. WORKING YOUR BEST
Working Efficiently	233	(11)
Overcoming Problems	244	(23)
VI. SCHEDULING AND COMPLETING YOUR THESIS
Thesis Time Schedule	267	(8)
Tips and Reminders	275	(7)
Frequently Asked Questions	282	(10)
What to Do When You're All Done	292	(9)
VII. DEALING WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Thesis Defense and Second Readers: Questions and Answers	301	(3)
A One-Semester Thesis	304	(91)
VIII. CITING YOUR SOURCES AND GETTING MORE ADVICE
Appendix 1: Best Sources for More Help	311	(6)
Appendix 2: Footnotes 101	317	(73)
Appendix 3: Advice for New Faculty Advisers	390	(5)
Acknowledgments	395	(2)
Index	397