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THESIS PROPOSAL WORKSHOP

Dr. Abby Arthur Johnson Wednesday: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Telephone: 703-998-5369 Jan. 15, Feb. 12, Mar. 19, and Apr. 23, 2014

E-mail: abbyron@cox.net New North 202

Required Texts

Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 8th ed.

Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2013.

Georgetown University. Liberal Studies Thesis Writing: Write from the Start to the Finish.

Preliminary Workshop Assignment: Bring to the first class an essay of approximately 200

words in which you address your “Research Qualifications” and explain how your

education, experience, background, and reading have prepared you for the topic you

intend to pursue.

Session 1 (January 15): Preparing to Write a Thesis

Topics for Discussion

Contents of Workshop

Required Texts

Sections of the Thesis Proposal

Statement of “The Problem”

The Process of Writing, Rewriting, and Editing

Assignments for Session 2

Read the following section in Kate Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Research Papers,

Theses, And Dissertations, Part 1, Section 5, “Planning Your Argument”.

Review Liberal Studies theses shelved on the second floor of Lauinger Library. Provide

written comments about ideas gained from three of these theses.

Identify on paper the proposed title of your thesis, “The Problem” you intend to

investigate, and the name/telephone number of your mentor. Provide xeroxed copies of

your problem statement for presentation to the class during Session 2.

Session 2 (February 12): Addressing Requirements for the Completed Thesis Proposal

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Topics for Discussion

Specifications for and examples of each section of the Thesis Proposal

Theses reviewed at Lauinger Library

In-class presentations by each member of the class on the projected title and problem

statement for his or her thesis proposal

Assignments for Session 3

Conduct preliminary research on the selected topic for your thesis.

Identify on paper these sections of your Thesis Proposal: I. Title; II. The Problem; and

V. The Probable Contents. Be prepared to share this information in class following the

presentation by the research librarian.

Session 3 (March 19): Conducting Research

Note: Meet for class in Lauinger Library at the Dubin Classroom on the First Floor.

Topics for Discussion

Library Resources and Electronic Searches (presentation by Reference Librarian)

Thesis proposals to date

Assignment for Session 4

Prepare a revised draft of your thesis proposal in the required format.

Session 4 (April 23): Preparing the Final Copy of the Thesis Proposal and Thesis

Topics for Discussion

Specifics Relevant to Submission of the Thesis Proposal and Thesis

Turabian’s Manual for Writers (conventions, formats, notes, and bibliographies)

Assignment: Submit to Dr. Johnson on the date she has assigned your completed Thesis

Proposal (3 copies) and the Thesis Proposal Approval Form (1 copy) signed by your

mentor.

Honor Code:

MALS and DLS students are responsible for upholding the Georgetown University Honor

System and adhering to the academic standards included in the Honor Code Pledge stated below:

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In the pursuit of the high ideals and rigorous standards of academic life, I commit myself to

respect and uphold the Georgetown University Honor System: To be honest in any academic

endeavor; and to conduct myself honorably, as a responsible member of the Georgetown

community, as we live and work together.

Disabilities Statement:

If you believe you have a disability, then you should contact the Academic Resource Center

(arc@georgetown.edu) for further information. The Center is located in the Leavey Center,

Suite 335. The Academic Resource Center is the campus office responsible for reviewing

documentation provided by students with disabilities and for determining reasonable

accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and University

policies.

Learning Goals and Outcomes:

Graduate Liberal Studies offers a course of study that engages students in reading, research,

reflection, discussion, and writing. The two general goals of the program are to analyze and

assess human values (who are we and what ought we to do?) and to undertake such study in an

interdisciplinary fashion. The program thus draws from the social sciences as well as from those

fields generally defined as the humanities (e.g., theology, philosophy, literature, and art),

recognizing that the moral dimension of human life embraces social, political, and economic

relationships as well as personal choices.

More explicitly, each course engages the student in examining one or more of the following

topics or similar topics as they are treated in various disciplines: -What it means to be human; -

What gives ultimate meaning to human life; -What contributes to human flourishing; -Where

human life is heading; -What constitutes the social dimension of humanity; -What enables

genuine community; -How are human beings related to nature and creation as a whole; -

Elements of personal ethics; -Principles of social justice and social ethics.

This course will pursue the above stated goals and objectives through the lens of the topics

outlined in this syllabus. Students will experience accelerated learning in said topics via a model

of independent study complemented by collective participation. The material is also presented

with an eye towards preparing students to engage these or other liberal arts topics thoughtfully,

critically, and deeply via a final written thesis.