Sunday, September 28, 2008

How to Choose a Thesis Topic (according to Joan Bolker)

Author of "Writing your dissertation in fifteen minutes a day" (notice
that her opinion of the importance of topic choice contradicts the other
two authors):

* "Writing a dissertation is very much like being in a long-term
relationship: there are likely to be some very good times and some
perfectly dreadful ones, and it's a big help if you like what you've
chosen...If you choose your topic wholeheartedly, the writing process can
be a wonderful opportunity for pleasure"
* Choose a topic that's really going to matter to you: "follow your
curiosity, and, if you're lucky, your passion"
* Think and write about all the projects you've been involved with so
far, remember which were most fun. Do they have something in common?
"which sort of undertaking best suits how you like to work" Also what kind
of research you find most interesting to read.
* Find a model of a doable thesis for you
* Use advisor as a sounding board, especialyl about eventual job
search strategy in a topic
* One way to help choose a topic after you've done a fair bit of
groundwork: "Imagine finishing your dissertation and holding it in your
hand. Try naming it; play with titles that are clearly too outrageous, and
see which one most delights you." write them down
* Be writing every day all the way along, about ideas, what you've
read, problems, etc

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