Page 84 - DISSERTATION AND THESIS HANDBOOK 2017 -2020

MASTER'S THESIS IN ENGLISH STUDIES

Where to Begin?

What is a thesis? A thesis in the discipline of English is a sustained and structured
argument regarding a literary, rhetorical, or pedagogical topic. It provides the
opportunity for an extended exercise in independent research at the graduate level. The
thesis is particularly useful for those who wish to pursue doctoral study. While it may
seem like a hurdle to jump, it is an exercise that will hone your research, critical thinking,
and writing skills. At the end of your thesis process, you will find yourself taking pride in
all you accomplished.

For many students, writing a thesis is a foray into frightening territory. The project
seems daunting because of the length of pages required (60-90 pages depending upon
the study), the expectations for original work, and the newness of the endeavor. For
students who are the first in their families to conduct graduate study, writing a thesis can
seem especially intimidating. Take heart.

Your thesis may simply be
an outgrowth of a seminar
paper or conference
presentation; you may begin
researching a topic you wish to
pursue in a PhD program, or
you may embark on something
brand new. The range of
possibilities is enormous. The
thesis is an opportunity to
explore a topic deeply. Think
of it as the first step in making
your mark!

Before you begin your
own manuscript, it may be
useful to review other theses.
You can go to the Thurgood
Marshall Library Research Port,
and you can examine theses
written by other Bowie State
University students and by
students around the country through the ProQuest Digital Dissertation and Theses
database. If you have an idea about your inquiry, first look at manuscripts that have
tackled a similar topic. Then look at examples of theses from a variety of English
programs. You will likely find studies that reassure you that you can do it, and you will

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