How to Begin

“What may be doing abroad – what is doing at home.” Print shows two simultaneous scenes. On the top, the Kings of Spain, France, and Prussia, and Queen Maria Theresa carve out portions of the British empire for themselves, while on the bottom, members of the Duke of Grafton’s ministry haggle over internal disputes and problems with the colonies in America. Behind his ministers, King George III stands in a doorway weeping. Library of Congress.

The majority of students identify potential thesis topics when they prepare their seminar papers; the seminar paper then becomes the core of the thesis and represents the first stage of research. Once the student decides on a topic, he or she should proceed as follows. Please note that at every step it is the student’s responsibility to take the initiative.

Once a student identifies a possible thesis topic, the next step is to consult with a faculty member who might serve as thesis director or advisor.

If a member of the faculty agrees to become a student’s thesis director, the student should discuss with the director the composition of the thesis committee. The committee consists of two readers in addition to the thesis director. Once the thesis director approves the choice of readers, the student should contact them to obtain their agreement to serve. The student then should inform the graduate coordinator of the composition of the committee.

The student should prepare a brief prospectus (approximately three to five pages in length) after completing initial research. This prospectus should explain the topic and the main sources to be used. The prospectus must be approved by the thesis director and the graduate coordinator. The student is responsible for obtaining these approvals. Copies of the prospectus should be given to the other readers on the committee as well.