How To Write A Ba Thesis: A Practical Guide From Your First Ideas To Your Finished Paper

by Lipson, Charles

• ISBN13: 9780226481258
• ISBN10: 0226481255
• Format: Hardcover
• 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.

Table of Contents

Getting Started
How to Read This Book	p. 3
Introduction	p. 9
Useful Nuts and Bolts	p. 12
Framing Your Topic
Taking Effective Notes and Avoiding Plagiarism	p. 37
Refining Your Topic, Writing a Proposal, and Beginning Research	p. 66
Conducting Your Research
What Is Good Thesis Research?	p. 89
Using Case Studies Effectively	p. 99
Every Thesis Should Have a Thesis	p. 110
Writing Your Best
Planning and Prewriting: How Do They Help Your Thesis?	p. 123
Writing Your Best	p. 143
Effective Openings, Smooth Transitions, and Strong Closings	p. 159
Good Editing Makes Good Writing	p. 177
Presenting Information Visually	p. 192
Working Your Best
Working Efficiently	p. 233
Overcoming Problems	p. 244
Scheduling and Completing Your Thesis
Thesis Time Schedule	p. 267
Tips and Reminders	p. 275
Frequently Asked Questions	p. 282
What to Do When You're All Done	p. 292
Dealing With Special Requirements
Thesis Defense and Second Readers: Questions and Answers	p. 301
A One-Semester Thesis	p. 304
Citing Your Sources and Getting More Advice
Best Sources for More Help	p. 311
Footnotes 101	p. 317
Advice for New Faculty Advisers	p. 390
Acknowledgments	p. 395
Index	p. 397
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