Origin of Thesis Topics: A Mystery Solved
Melissa Parnagian, Social Sciences Correspondent
In the world of academia, the summer before a student's senior year can be a crucial period for the formation of a successful thesis. Here are five tips to ensure a regret-free thesis summer.
- Start Early: It's never too early to start thinking about your thesis. First-years and sophomores should begin exploring potential topics and advisers to set themselves up for success in the future.
- Connect Personal Interests with Academic Pursuits: One effective strategy for finding a thesis topic is to build upon recreational interests and translate them into academic research. This approach can help students discover topics that genuinely interest them and keep them motivated throughout the research process.
- Leverage Professional Experiences: Real-life experiences in professional environments significantly influence the formation of thesis topics. Exposure to the workplace helps students identify areas that are relevant, motivating, and applicable to their future professional paths. Professional experiences can provide practical insights, career relevance, understanding and scope, original contributions, and even inspire thesis topics based on policy engagement.
- Decide on a Topic and Adviser Before Summer: To make the most of the summer break, it's best to decide on a thesis topic and find an adviser before the break begins. This allows students to start researching and gathering data over the summer, giving them a head start on their thesis.
- Seek Inspiration Beyond the Classroom: Some of the best insights for a thesis can come from outside the classroom. Engaging in workplace education programs, job shadowing, or even personal experiences can provide inspiration and shape thesis themes related to adult professional development.
These tips should help students navigate the process of finding a thesis topic and starting their research early, ensuring a regret-free thesis summer.
Haider Abbas '17, a previous student, found his thesis topic from a real-life experience at Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. For more insights into Abbas's thesis, read the interview with him titled "An Interview with Haider Abbas '17: How to Make an Impactful Senior Thesis".
[1] Perna, L. M., & Titus, S. (2014). Beyond the Classroom: How Students Learn from Experiences Outside of School. AAC&U.
[2] Tinto, V. (2017). Leaving College: Rethinking the Causes and Cures of Student Attrition. Johns Hopkins University Press.
[3] Astin, A. W. (1993). What matters in college? Four critical years revisited. Jossey-Bass.
[4] Kuh, G. D., Kinzie, J., Schuh, J. H., Whitt, E. J., & Associates. (2005). High-impact educational practices: What they are, who has access to them, and why they matter. Association of American Colleges and Universities.
[5] Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. Jossey-Bass.
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