THESIS SEMINAR - HSS389/HSS589 Spring 2025
Course

This course introduces students to the purpose, structural elements and process of writing a Bachelor’s thesis. It takes students through the stages of writing, including: determining a relevant and appropriate research question, writing a focused and clear thesis statement in response to that question, supporting that thesis theoretically and methodologically, as well as revising and editing. The course will also develop students’ awareness of the stylistic conventions of academic writing. In addition, the students will learn to find and critically evaluate sources and to incorporate these sources in accurate citation format. Students will also come to understand the value of critical thinking, research and the use of sources in order to construct a well reasoned, well informed and well supported argument. The course is taught in a combination of lectures, class discussion, small group interaction and individual presentations. Each student will steadily lay a foundation upon which to build their thesis in cooperation their individual advisors. The ultimate goal of the course is for students to acquire and develop the skills necessary to engage productively and with their advisors and to efficiently produce a Bachelors’ thesis of high academic quality.
Here is the course outline:
1. IntroductionOverview of the course and requirements |
2. Research Questionsm Thesis Statement, Relevance statementWhat makes a good thesis topic and how to formulate questions |
3. Secondary sourcesHow to locate, critically assess, and present secondary sources |
4. Literature Review |
5. Presentation of thesis questionStudents will present their topic and research question, and will give each other feedback |
6. Theoretical framework and methodologyDeveloping the theoretical and methodological sections of the thesis proposal |
7. Research Day
Mar 17
|
8. Term break |
9. Collaboration and feedback 1In-class Peer Review and Presentation: Thesis Proposal Outline (with Thesis chapter structure) |
10. Research DayIndividual work and consultations |
11. Assessment of progressIndividual consultations |
12. Collaboration and feedback 2In-class Peer Review and Presentation: Draft Thesis Proposal |
13. Research DayIndividual work and consultations |
14. Graduation and thesis submission
May 12
|
15. Research DayIndividual work and consultations |
16. Academic WritingFormal and Informal Language, Defence Preparation, Troubleshooting |
17. Lesson 14 Proposal submission |
18. Relevance statementEstablishing the importance of your project |
19. Theoretical framework and methodology - social scienceDeveloping the theoretical and methodological sections of the thesis proposal |
20. Putting together the final proposalFinal proposal outline, thesis structure and research plan |