How to Write a BA Thesis

A Practical Guide from
Your First Ideas to Your Finished Paper

by Charles Lipson

Table of Contents

I. GETTING STARTED

How to Read This Book
1. Introduction
2. Useful Nuts and Bolts

II. FRAMING YOUR TOPIC

3. Taking Effective Notes and Avoiding Plagiarism
4. Refining Your Topic, Writing a Proposal, and Beginning Research

III. CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH

5. What Is Good Thesis Research?
6. Using Case Studies Effectively
7. Every Thesis Should Have a Thesis

IV. WRITING YOUR BEST

8. Planning and Prewriting: How Do They Help Your Thesis?
9. Writing Your Best
10. Effective Openings, Smooth Transitions, and Strong Closings
11. Good Editing Makes Good Writing
12. Presenting Information Visually

V. WORKING YOUR BEST

13. Working Efficiently
14. Overcoming Problems

VI. SCHEDULING AND COMPLETING YOUR THESIS

15. Thesis Time Schedule
16. Tips and Reminders
17. Frequently Asked Questions
18. What to Do When YouÆre All Done

VII. DEALING WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

19. Thesis Defense and Second Readers: Questions and Answers
20. A One-Semester Thesis

VIII. CITING YOUR SOURCES AND GETTING MORE ADVICE

Appendix 1: Best Sources for More Help
Appendix 2: Footnotes 101
Appendix 3: Advice for New Faculty Advisers


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