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Thesis Seminar - HSS389 Fall 2025
Course
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Gerald Power
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. IntroductionIntroduction to the course; syllabus review; and first discussion of AAU’s thesis requirements. |
2. Overview of thesis components and Research Question1. Discussion of the components of the academic thesis, including literature review, theories and methods; chapters; sources, etc. 2. What makes a good thesis topic and how to formulate research questions |
3. Graduating Student Workshop (NO CLASS) |
4. Graduating Student Workshop (NO CLASS) |
5. Thesis Proposals, including the Literature ReviewWhat these are and how to deliver |
6. Theory and methodologyDeveloping the theoretical and methodological sections of the thesis proposal. How they can apply differently according to social science or humanities context |
7. Personal Consultation DayOne-to-one meetings with students concerning their Draft Thesis Proposals (due next week) |
8. Peer Group DayWorking in group to review interim plans submissions and provide feedback to peers. The peer group session is a graded assignment. 1) Draft Thesis Proposal (emailed to second lecturer for comment and CC’d to me) 2) Bring a printed copy of the Draft to share with peer group. |
9. Personal Consultation DayOne-to-one meetings with students to give feedback on Draft Thesis Proposals and help move the projects forward. |
10. Update DayStudents will prepare a short summary of the state of their research (5-10 minutes) as the basis for discussion. |
11. Research DayIndividual work and consultations, the instructor will be available for questions during the class hours. Students may work in the classroom or elsewhere. |
12. Research DayIndividual work and consultations, the instructor will be available for questions during the class hours. Students may work in the classroom or elsewhere. Final Thesis Proposal Due! |
13. Thesis Submission and GraduationHow theses are reviewed and the review form, how to prepare for the defence, how to prepare for the state exams. |
14. Final FeedbackIndividualised feedback on final thesis outline. |