Thesis

A thesis is an academic paper, usually ranging in length from 50-150 pages. In a thesis you present an original idea, then elaborate and defend it. Theses employ many different methodologies, ranging from purely theoretical discussions to ethnographic case studies and experiments. Most theses use several different methodologies.

Topics for theses are numerous. You can write about current issues in technical communication research, such as science rhetoric, the Internet, gender studies, textual studies, visual rhetoric, ethics, management, or dozens of different subjects. The topics covered in ENGL 511 Theory and Practice of Technical Communication introduce you to some of the topics that can lead to effective theses. In fact, your research papers might be a good starting point as you think about thesis topics. Naturally, you want to refine your subject into a sharp, focused topic

A thesis is an appropriate exit assignment if you like to do scholarly research or if you are contemplating continuing for a PhD in technical communication or a related field. A thesis is reviewed by a thesis committee consisting of three faculty members. You will defend your thesis before your committee. A thesis carries three credits.

If you choose to write a thesis, you and your advisor will create a three-person committee that will work with you. Your advisor may be, but need not be, the chair of the committee. You will begin by discussing the idea with appropriate faculty members, then submitting to the committee chair a prospectus. The committee will meet with you to discuss your prospectus and offer suggestions on how to proceed with your research. As you write the thesis, you will be meeting frequently with your committee chair.

If you are working on a thesis, you enroll in ENGL 593. If you are working on a thesis but taking no other courses that semester, you must enroll in ENGL 593 to remain an active student and retain library borrowing privileges. ENGL 593 is offered in varying credits; you may take it for 1, 2, or 3 credits. You may take ENGL 593 as often as you like, but you may apply only 3 credits of ENGL 593 toward your graduation.

Revised 13 August 2003.