8/14/2019 Urban Studies Seminar URBN 6000 Thesis Assignment

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Urban Studies Seminar URBN 6000-601University of New Orleans

Department of Planning and Urban Studies

Thesis assignment

Assignment objectives: 1) To make progress towards developing a thesis topic, completing your thesisresearch, and / or conveying your research findings in innovative ways; and 2) to learn about a range of

urban studies thesis topics.

Each person will present on his/her topic twice.First presentation: A brief presentation without powerpoint or visuals. You will explain yourinterests, what you are doing or considering doing, how you intend to approach the topic, and

what you hope to learn from the research project. (March 18)Second presentation: A formal presentation of your topic, your approach and, for some of you,

your findings or preliminary findings. (April 29)

Each person will submit a packet of material that shows how her/his project developed over the semester.

This will include the steps outlined below and the additional, individualized assignments. (May 3)

If you are beginning the process, you will identify potential topics, weigh the benefits of differentapproaches to your topic, and begin the process of narrowing your broader interests into definableresearch questions.

First step: In one or two paragraphs, outline your broad thesis interests. Be as specific as possiblebut do not create a specific topic just for the assignment.Second step: Identify 5 to 10 scholarly sources that relate to your topic.

If you have identified a topic but have not yet developed a research project, you will narrow your topic,

outline your approach, and develop your research design.First step: Submit a 1-2 page clear and concise description of your thesis topic.Second step: Identify 20-30 scholarly sources that relate to your topic.

If you have developed a research project, but are still in the process of conducting research or collectingevidence, you will develop two alternative ways to convey your thesis findings. For example, one mightinclude visual or auditory information and the other could be textual.

First step: Submit a 4-5 page description of your research project that includes your researchquestions and methods.Second step: Submit your reference list and a description of your evidence sources.

If you are almost finished with your thesis or completed your research, you will develop an alternative

way to present your findings. For example, this can be an article, a visual documentation, or an onlinestory.

First step: Submit a 4-5 page description of your research project that includes your researchquestions and methods.Second step: Submit your reference list and a description of your evidence sources.