• Seek and choose something that you are interested
in
• Consider approaches:
--Broad to specific: focus to a narrow assertion
--Specific to broad: move from evidence to a larger assertion
--Your thesis will require both approaches
Researching
• Meet with your advisor to discuss topics/approaches
• Discuss approaches to research with a reference librarian
• Develop a note taking system & keep a reading journal
• Carefully inventory all references, especially on-line sources
• Consider using RefNotes
Planning
• Create a schedule for your independent study block(s)
• Identify goals for each block of senior year
• Schedule regular meetings with your advisor
• Set reasonable deadlines for yourself (and meet them)
• Outline a writing/research plan
Writing the Thing
Prewriting
• Do not wait for clarity or revelation to write—write
to understand
• Keep all exploratory or rough work (notes, journal entries,
scribbles on your arm)
• Get feedback—from classmates, faculty, librarians, the
Writing Center
• Employ discovery questions (See Twenty
Tips for Senior Thesis Writers--Harvard)
Argument
• Let a working thesis drive research and writing
• Consider how each chapter will support this thesis
• Be prepared for your thesis to transform or alter with research
• Consider how your writing contributes to conversation in your
field
Organization
• Write or redraft your introduction later
• Use headings and subheadings as an outline
• Let strong topic sentences serve as signposts
• Use transitions as directional signals
Revising
• Read your drafts aloud
• Seek other readers (classmates in your major, the Writing
Center)
• Outline what is on the page (reverse outlining) to identify
structure
• Style and grammar speaks to your credibility
• “Murder your darlings” –be willing to cut
what doesn’t work
Concluding
• Have a clear point—and make it!
• Identify your thesis’ relevancy to issues in your field
• Move beyond simply restating arguments and evidence
• Know when to stop—all writing is provisional & incomplete
Back Matter
• Cite all sources—paraphrased or directly quoted
• If you are making an assertion derived from another source—cite
it
• Factual or quantified data (if debatable) should be cited
to source
• Format according to disciplinary and department specifications
• Leave enough time to both edit and proofread (including bibliography)
Therapy
• Half (or more) of the challenge is facing up to the stress
• Work steadily and keep to self-imposed schedule whenever possible
• Take frequent breaks but stay on task
• Be self-aware, self-critical, and willing to change course
• Seek assistance, advice, and feedback when stuck
• Ice cream helps
Other Resources
Tips
for Economics Theses from Barnard College at Columbia
How
to Write a Thesis by Charles Lipson--University of Chicago
Twenty Tips for Senior Thesis Writers
by Sheila M. Reindl--Harvard University
