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2026 Fall

Thesis Seminar - HSS389/HSS589/1 Fall 2026


Course
Gerald Power
For information about registration please contact our admissions.

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.

/files/5979701/HSS389_2_Thesis_Seminar_F26_POWER_HAYDEN_(4).pdf

Here is the course outline:

1. Introduction

Overview of the course and requirements

2. No class: Workshop Session

Special workshop organised by the School. Time and place to be confirmed.

3. Overview of thesis components and Research Question

1. 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.

4. Personal Consultation Day

One-to-one meetings with students to discuss their research objectives.

5. No class: Workshop Session

Students will attend the Graduating Student Workshop. Room and time to be confirmed.

6. Thesis Proposals, including the Literature Review

What is expected and how to deliver

7. Theory and methodology

A discussion of these two elements, and how they can apply differently according to social science or humanities context

8. Peer Group Day and Draft Thesis Proposal Deadline

Working in groups to give feedback on draft proposals. The peer group session is a graded assignment.

9. Personal Consultation

One-to-one meetings with students to give feedback on Draft Thesis Proposals and help move the projects forward.

10. Update Day

Students will prepare a short summary of the state of their research (5-10 minutes) as the basis for discussion.

11. Research Day / Questions Session

Students may either work independently or can come to the classroom to discuss their projects or ask questions about the forthcoming assignments.

12. Research Day/Questions Session. Final Thesis Proposal Deadline

Individual work and consultations, the instructor will be available for questions during the class hours. Students may work in the classroom or elsewhere.

13. Thesis Submission and Graduation

Dec 11

How theses are reviewed and the review form, how to prepare for the defence, how to prepare for the state exams.

14. Project Management and Working with the Advisor

How can a thesis go wrong and what can be done to prevent this?
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