How to Write a BA Thesis, Second Edition: A Practical Guide from Your First Ideas to Your Finished Paper

by Charles Lipson

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780226430911
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
Publication date:	12/05/2018
Series:	Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Charles Lipson is professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, where he was the Peter B. Ritzma Professor in Political Science and the College.

Table of Contents

I Getting Started

How to Read This Book 3

1 Introduction to How to Write a BA Thesis, Second Edition 9

2 Useful Nuts and Bolts 13

3 More Nuts and Bolts 22

II Framing Your Topic

4 Taking Effective Notes and Avoiding Plagiarism 41

5 How to Build a Reading List 70

6 Refining Your Topic, Writing a Proposal, and Beginning Research 76

III Conducting Your Research

7 What Is Good Thesis Research? 101

8 Using Case Studies Effectively 113

9 Every Thesis Should Have a Thesis 127

IV Writing Your Best

10 Planning and Prewriting: How Do They Help Your Thesis? 139

11 Writing Your Best 159

12 Effective Openings, Smooth Transitions, and Strong Closings 175

13 Good Editing Makes Good Writing 193

14 Presenting Information Visually 209

15 Presenting Your Work to Others 245

V Working Your Best

16 Working Efficiently 251

17 Overcoming Problems 263

18 What to Do If You Get Stuck 283

VI Scheduling And Completing Your Thesis

19 Thesis Schedule 287

20 Tips and Reminders 295

21 Frequently Asked Questions 303

22 What to Do When You're All Done 314

VII Dealing With Special Requirements

23 Thesis Defense and Second Readers: Questions and Answers 323

24 A One-Semester Thesis 326

VIII Citing Your Sources And Getting More Advice

Appendix 1 Best Sources for More Help 333

Appendix 2 Footnotes 101 339

Appendix 3 Advice for New Faculty Advisers 435

Acknowledgments 439

Index 441