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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

Reference and Bibliography

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 

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