| SES # | TOPICS | KEY DATES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introductory Meeting | |
| 2 | Developing a Topic | Written assignment due 2 days before session 2 Oral presentation in class |
| 3 | Reviewing Past Theses A. We will Read Two Past Award-winning Theses, Selected by Relevance to Current Student Topics B. Sharpening the Topic, Developing Theory Note: For the next three weeks, we will be discussing methodological choices. During this time, you are expected to be ready to discuss the assigned readings. You should also be reading on your topics and developing a bibliography and knowledge of existing research. | |
| 4 | Methodological Choices I - Quantitative vs. Qualitative Methods Discussion of Causality, Measurement, Validity | |
| 5 | Methodological Choices II - Case Studies and Small-N Comparisons | |
| 6 | Meeting with Library Staff to Review Research Tactics and Strategies | |
| 7 | Methodological Choices III - Rational Choice | |
| 8 | Literature Review | Bibliographies and written assignments due 2 days before session 8 Oral presentation in class |
| 9 | Class Presentations of Existing Research | Assignment due 2 days before session 9 Oral presentation in class |
| 10 | Methodological Pitfalls | |
| 11 | Pick a Topic | An outline of project is due 2 days before session 11 Class presentations |
| 12 | Addressing Remaining Methodological Issues | Written assignment due 2 days before session 12 Oral presentations in class By end of week, turn in form to me verifying that you have acquired a thesis advisor. |
| 13 | Presentation of Prospectus | Other faculty will be invited to attend the presentations to ask questions and evaluate the projects. A draft prospectus is due two days before the oral presentation. A final draft is due shortly after final presentations. |
| 14 | Presentation of Prospectus (cont.) |