MA Thesis/Papers-In-Lieu Overview and Process

Thesis: What is it?  A thesis is a scholarly manuscript that reports on a significant in-depth investigation.  The thesis includes a statement of the study; a description of the significance of the study; the methodology for collecting, analyzing, and reporting research; a description of the results; and implications for further research.  The manuscript documents the student’s ability to think critically and creatively, to communicate in a clear and coherent manner, to organize thoughts, and to document research.

Papers-In-Lieu: what are they? 2 papers from previous courses—significantly expanded and developed—Or two new papers developed after consultation with Major Professor. Discuss the viability of expanding a seminar paper with the respective professor before selecting it for papers-in-lieu.  Final product of “publishable” quality  Topic(s) usually more specific than thesis (while following the characteristics/assessment of thesis)  Includes comprehensive exam

The Committee Major Professor and 2 readers/committee members  Should be in your area/familiar with your subject and help determine the viability of topic develop and expand content evaluate relevance of research

Chair/Major Professor Oversees all activities and provides direction for the selection and completion of the research component. Specific responsibilities include:  Assist the student in selecting other committee members;  Determine the appropriateness of the thesis/project topic;  Review and approve the thesis proposal;  Verify that all of the committee members have reviewed the thesis/project before it is typed in final form and that all the necessary changes have been made;  See that a high standard of writing quality is maintained throughout the thesis/project;  Ensure that the thesis/project conforms to the style manual of the department.

Readers/Committee Members  Review and approve the thesis proposal,  Check the adequacy of the thesis design before the study begins,  See that a high standard of scholarship and writing quality are maintained in the thesis,  Review the thesis before it is submitted in final form,  Support and participate in the public defense of the thesis, which is a Graduate School requirement.

The Student must  Decide on an appropriate topic, in consultation with the committee chair;  Write a proposal and receive committee approval before beginning a thesis;  Collaborate with the chair to determine appropriate timelines and deadlines;  Realize that multiple drafts will be written before the final product is approved;  Obtain editorial help, if necessary, to meet the standards of the University and the program for quality and presentation of the information in the thesis, project, or study;  Adhere to the appropriate style manual;  Defend the thesis in an open forum prior to final approval.

Assessment  Knowledge and application of ethical principles  Skills in organizing and producing a scholarly work  Mastery of relevant theory and research  Skills in identifying and using professional resources  Utilization of inquiry skills and knowledge of research methods  Ability to engage in problem solving/critical thinking  Ability to make valuable contributions to his or her particular field

Process At least one semester before writing thesis, you must:  Select committee  Discuss project with major professor  Draft proposal  Distribute proposal for approval  After, and only after, the proposal is approved will I enroll you in thesis hours

The Proposal Although the proposal may not contain all of these elements, it will follow these guidelines generally.  Sets up topic and scope of project  Begins (usually) with background/overview (literary, cultural, theoretical)  Connects topic and text to previous research and establishes your place in it  Provides chapter outline  Chapter outline includes more than just description of what you plan to do.  Includes works cited/working bibliography  Can serve as part of the introduction of the thesis in some cases

On writing  MLA style/format  MA degree—mastery of topic and language  Prose should be clear, articulate, free of ambiguous phrases and references, mechanical and grammatical mistakes, and so on.  Meeting requirements is your responsibility; your readers are NOT your editors. Committee members should not be expected to make extensive corrections or revisions.  Format/outline provided by the graduate school should be used as a guide. Consult with major professor to determine appropriate format. Above all, be consistent.

Deadlines—Spring 2010  October 30-Final Draft of Proposal to all committee members  December 1--Approved Proposal Due  Remaining dates: TBA

Format  See outline online

Questions?