How to Write a BA Thesis
A Practical Guide from Your First Ideas to Your Finished Paper
402 pages
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4 maps, 20 graphs, 29 tables, 3 diagrams, 8 charts
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6 x 9
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© 2005
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.
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.
"A capstone experience in college, the senior honors thesis is a challenge
not just for the student, but for his or her advisor, too. Charles Lipson
has done both a big favor by mapping out the tasks, solutions, and
pitfalls step by step. I will tell my honors advisees about this book --
and refer to it again and again myself."--Theda Skocpol, Victor S. Thomas Professor of Government and Sociology, Harvard University
not just for the student, but for his or her advisor, too. Charles Lipson
has done both a big favor by mapping out the tasks, solutions, and
pitfalls step by step. I will tell my honors advisees about this book --
and refer to it again and again myself."--Theda Skocpol, Victor S. Thomas Professor of Government and Sociology, Harvard University
"Most of our majors find writing a B.A. thesis to be one of the most rewarding experiences of their undergraduate careers--after they have turned it in. But many of them also find thesis writing a daunting endeavor, especially when they're just getting started. Charles Lipson's How to Write a B.A. Thesis takes the mystery and fear out of B.A. thesis writing by clearly explaining the process, breaking it up into a logical sequence of easily manageable steps. Lipson provides no-nonsense tips on how to complete each step, and points out potential pitfalls to avoid along the way. His practical and accessible guidebook also covers topics that many other books on research and writing do not, such as how to use case studies effectively, how to work with your thesis advisor, and how to overcome procrastination and deal with personal crises while writing a thesis. Filled with sound advice from a supportive and experienced mentor, How to Write a B.A. Thesis will be a valuable companion for any undergraduate embarking on their thesis--and for many Master's and Ph.D. students, as well."--Dave Aftandilian, Preceptor and Program Coordinator, Environmental Studies Program, University of Chicago
“Charles Lipson has written a gem of a book. This is not your usual ‘how-to’ book. It is the thoughtful work and expert contribution of a first-rate academic who obviously relishes being a fine teacher and who takes pride in having advised scores of superb undergraduates at one of the leading academic institutions of the world. The book just brims with knowledge, expertise and great advice—all spiced with laugh-out-loud humor and wit. A great achievement.”—Andrei S. Markovits, Karl W. Deutsch Collegiate Professor of Comparative Politics and German Studies, University of Michigan
"An excellent, well-developed text for students in all academic disciplines. . . . It is an invaluable text for honors education."—Hallie E. Savage, Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council
"A no-nonsense guide that speaks directly to students, provides a valuable timeline guide for the whole process, and reinforces effective writing techniques. . . . The material and suggestions are dead-on. . . . The opportunities abound for using this guide as a unifying element on many levels: between student and adviser; between faculty advisers within one academic department, between academic departments and learning centers and/or writing centers, and between academic departments and administration. It has a strong potential to be an integral part in a college-wide student success program."—Christine Reichert, TLAR
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 You’re 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
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 You’re 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
For more information, or to order this book, please visit http://www.press.uchicago.edu
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Education: Higher Education
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