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Thesis Seminar - HSS389/2 Fall 2026
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. What kind of researcher am I? What kind of research do I want to do? |
2. No class: Workshop SessionSpecial workshop organised by the School. Time and place to be confirmed. |
3. Overview of thesis components and Research QuestionDiscussion 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 DayOne-to-one meetings with students to discuss their research objectives. |
5. No class: Workshop SessionStudents will attend the Graduating Student Workshop. Room and time to be confirmed. |
6. Thesis Proposals, including the Literature ReviewWhat is expected and how to deliver |
7. Theory and methodologyA 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 DeadlineWorking in groups to give feedback on draft proposals. The peer group session is a graded assignment. |
9. Personal ConsultationOne-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 Day / Questions SessionStudents 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 DeadlineIndividual 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 AdvisorHow can a thesis go wrong and what can be done to prevent this? |