Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The senior thesis is the capstone of a college education, but writing one can be a daunting prospect. Students need to choose their own topic and select the right adviser. Then they need to work steadily for several months as they research, write, and manage a major independent project. Now there's a mentor to help. How to Write a BA Thesis is a practical, friendly guide written by Charles Lipson, an experienced professor who has guided hundreds of students through the thesis-writing process.

This book offers step-by-step advice on how to turn a vague idea into a clearly defined proposal, then a draft paper, and, ultimately, a polished thesis. Lipson also tackles issues beyond the classroom-from good work habits to coping with personal problems that interfere with research and writing.

Filled with examples and easy-to-use highlighted tips, the book also includes handy time schedules that show when to begin various tasks and how much time to spend on each. Convenient checklists remind students which steps need special attention, and a detailed appendix, filled with examples, shows how to use the three main citation systems in the humanities and social sciences: MLA, APA, and Chicago.

How to Write a BA Thesis will help students work more comfortably and effectively-on their own and with their advisers. Its clear guidelines and sensible advice make it the perfect text for thesis workshops. Students and their advisers will refer again and again to this invaluable resource. From choosing a topic to preparing the final paper, How to Write a BA Thesis helps students turn a daunting prospect into a remarkable achievement.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• I Getting Started
• How to Read This Book (p. 3)
• 1 Introduction (p. 9)
• 2 Useful Nuts and Bolts (p. 12)
• II Framing Your Topic
• 3 Taking Effective Notes and Avoiding Plagiarism (p. 37)
• 4 Refining Your Topic, Writing a Proposal, and Beginning Research (p. 66)
• III Conducting Your Research
• 5 What Is Good Thesis Research? (p. 89)
• 6 Using Case Studies Effectively (p. 99)
• 7 Every Thesis Should Have a Thesis (p. 110)
• IV Writing Your Best
• 8 Planning and Prewriting: How Do They Help Your Thesis? (p. 123)
• 9 Writing Your Best (p. 143)
• 10 Effective Openings, Smooth Transitions, and Strong Closings (p. 159)
• 11 Good Editing Makes Good Writing (p. 177)
• 12 Presenting Information Visually (p. 192)
• V Working Your Best
• 13 Working Efficiently (p. 233)
• 14 Overcoming Problems (p. 244)
• VI Scheduling and Completing Your Thesis
• 15 Thesis Time Schedule (p. 267)
• 16 Tips and Reminders (p. 275)
• 17 Frequently Asked Questions (p. 282)
• 18 What to Do When You're All Done (p. 292)
• VII Dealing With Special Requirements
• 19 Thesis Defense and Second Readers: Questions and Answers (p. 301)
• 20 A One-Semester Thesis (p. 304)
• VIII Citing Your Sources and Getting More Advice
• Appendix 1 Best Sources for More Help (p. 311)
• Appendix 2 Footnotes 101 (p. 317)
• Appendix 3 Advice for New Faculty Advisers (p. 390)
• Acknowledgments (p. 395)
• Index (p. 397)

Author notes provided by Syndetics