How to Write a BA Thesis, Second Edition
A Practical Guide from Your First Ideas to Your Finished Paper
Second Edition
9780226430911
9780226431079
How to Write a BA Thesis, Second Edition
A Practical Guide from Your First Ideas to Your Finished Paper
Second Edition
How to Write a BA Thesis is the only book that directly addresses the needs of undergraduate students writing a major paper. This book offers step-by-step advice on how to move from early ideas to finished paper. It covers choosing a topic, selecting an advisor, writing a proposal, conducting research, developing an argument, writing and editing the thesis, and making through a defense. Lipson also acknowledges the challenges that arise when tackling such a project, and he offers advice for breaking through writer’s block and juggling school-life demands. This is a must-read for anyone writing a BA thesis, or for anyone who advises these students.
Read the introduction.
432 pages | 4 maps, 28 halftones, 29 tables | 6 x 9 | © 2018
Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing
Education: Higher Education
Table of Contents
I. GETTING STARTED
How to Read This Book
1 Introduction to How to Write a BA Thesis, Second Edition
2 Useful Nuts and Bolts
3 More Nuts and Bolts
II. FRAMING YOUR TOPIC
4 Taking Effective Notes and Avoiding Plagiarism
5 How to Build a Reading List
6 Refining Your Topic, Writing a Proposal, and Beginning Research
III. CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH
7 What Is Good Thesis Research?
8 Using Case Studies Effectively
9 Every Thesis Should Have a Thesis
IV. WRITING YOUR BEST
10 Planning and Prewriting: How Do They Help Your Thesis?
11 Writing Your Best
12 Effective Openings, Smooth Transitions, and Strong Closings
13 Good Editing Makes Good Writing
14 Presenting Information Visually
15 Presenting Your Work to Others
V. WORKING YOUR BEST
16 Working Efficiently
17 Overcoming Problems
18 What to Do If You Get Stuck
VI. SCHEDULING AND COMPLETING YOUR THESIS
19 Thesis Schedule
20 Tips and Reminders
21 Frequently Asked Questions
22 What to Do When You’re All Done
VII. DEALING WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
23 Thesis Defense and Second Readers: Questions and Answers
24 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
Acknowledgments
Index
How to Read This Book
1 Introduction to How to Write a BA Thesis, Second Edition
2 Useful Nuts and Bolts
3 More Nuts and Bolts
II. FRAMING YOUR TOPIC
4 Taking Effective Notes and Avoiding Plagiarism
5 How to Build a Reading List
6 Refining Your Topic, Writing a Proposal, and Beginning Research
III. CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH
7 What Is Good Thesis Research?
8 Using Case Studies Effectively
9 Every Thesis Should Have a Thesis
IV. WRITING YOUR BEST
10 Planning and Prewriting: How Do They Help Your Thesis?
11 Writing Your Best
12 Effective Openings, Smooth Transitions, and Strong Closings
13 Good Editing Makes Good Writing
14 Presenting Information Visually
15 Presenting Your Work to Others
V. WORKING YOUR BEST
16 Working Efficiently
17 Overcoming Problems
18 What to Do If You Get Stuck
VI. SCHEDULING AND COMPLETING YOUR THESIS
19 Thesis Schedule
20 Tips and Reminders
21 Frequently Asked Questions
22 What to Do When You’re All Done
VII. DEALING WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
23 Thesis Defense and Second Readers: Questions and Answers
24 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
Acknowledgments
Index