Thesis Seminar

About the Course:

You will be completing your M.A. thesis this semester, and this course will be a way to keep you on track to completion. While you will be working with an advisor and a committee made up of three professors, this course will also provide guidance as you move toward the finish line.

Because you will be focusing on the completion of your thesis, this course will have no assigned readings. The only required book is Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996), which you should already own.

Course Requirements:

All students are required to attend class meetings and take part actively in class discussions. Written work will require students to synthesize readings, lectures, films, and discussions. Seminar participants must also read and assimilate assigned readings, and be prepared to discuss the readings on the schedule listed below. Please note that some of the films will be viewed outside of class; copies will be on reserve at the AV library, or may also be available for loan from the professor. Students will submit all assignments on time; late assignments will only be accepted by prior arrangement with the professor. Plagiarism and other forms of intellectual dishonesty or sloth will not be tolerated.
          A Note About Academic Integrity: Integrity is fundamental to the academic enterprise. It is violated by acts such as borrowing or purchasing term papers, essays, reports, and other written assignments; submitting the same work for credit in more than one course; using concealed notes or crib sheets during examinations; copying others' work and submitting it as one's own; and misappropriating the knowledge of others. The sources from which one derives one's ideas, statements, terms, and data must be fully and specifically acknowledged in the appropriate form; failure to do so, intentionally or unintentionally, constitutes plagiarism. Violations of academic integrity may result in failure in the course and in disciplinary actions with penalties such as suspension or dismissal from the College.

Contacting the Professor:

My office is in 2N 203, and my office phone is 718-982-2869; I have office hours Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00, and by appointment. You may also reach me via email at lavender@mail.csi.cuny.edu. Please include the course number (HST 799) and your last name in the subject line.

Assignments:

Your successful completion of your thesis (approval from your committee) shall constitute your fulfillment of the requirements for this course. Assignments set throughout the semester are aimed at you meeting interim goals towards the completion of your thesis.

Course Schedule:

January 29 Wednesday

Introduction to the Course

February 5 Wednesday	Refreshing Our Research Skills – Meet at the CSI Library Reference Desk
	Assignment: Submit a copy of the Thesis Proposal you completed in HST 798.

February 12 Wednesday

College Closed. – Seminar will not meet.

February 19 Wednesday

The Statement of Thesis

February 26 Wednesday	The Thesis Introduction
	Assignment: Submit your statement of thesis.

March 5 Wednesday	Historiography
	Assignment: Submit your introductory paragraph(s).

March 12 Wednesday	The Footnote
	Assignment: Submit your historiographical paragraph(s).

March 19 Wednesday	Argumentation I
	Assignment: Submit your historiographical footnote(s).

March 26 Wednesday	Argumentation II
	Assignment: Submit your outline.

April 2 Wednesday

Drafting Workshop I

April 9 Wednesday	Drafting Workshop II
	Assignment: Submit your draft for peer review by Friday 11 April.

April 15 Tuesday	Classes follow a Wednesday Schedule; Seminar will meet -- Peer Review
	Assignment: Submit two copies of peer review.

March 25 - March 31

Spring Break

April 30 Wednesday

Individual Meetings (to be scheduled)

May 7 Wednesday

Individual Meetings (to be scheduled)

May 14 Wednesday

Summing Up

May 23 Friday

Deadline for “Signing Off” for Spring 2003 graduation