Lesson Report:
**Title: Developing Strong Research Questions for Senior Theses**
Synopsis: In this session, students worked on honing their research topics into strong, focused research questions. The instructor reviewed essential elements for crafting a good research question, such as clarity, focus, researchability, and theoretical alignment. The session aimed to guide students in selecting suitable topics for their senior theses and initiating the supervisor selection process.
**Attendance:**
– No specific number of absences mentioned, but there were reminders given for online students to keep their cameras on to avoid being marked absent.
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Introduction and Class Objectives:**
– Emphasized the importance of end-of-class deadlines for topic selection.
– Announcement of senior thesis supervisor selection process.
2. **Review of Course Syllabus:**
– Overview of the senior thesis process and course objectives: focus on research question formulation.
– Reminder about the two main course milestones: midterm proposal and final chapter submission.
3. **Workshop on Research Question Formulation:**
– Discussion about what makes a strong research question.
– Elements of a strong research question: clarity, focus, researchability, complexity, depth, and theoretical alignment.
– Examples of turning broad topics into focused research questions.
4. **Senior Thesis Requirements and Expectations:**
– Explained the structure of a senior thesis: problem identification, history, literature review, theoretical framework, analysis, and conclusion.
– Emphasized originality and relevance to political science.
5. **Actionable Items:**
– Deadline for initial topic selection by end of class.
– Begin contacting potential thesis supervisors next week.
– Set up the first meeting and complete the Senior Thesis Supervisory Form.
**Actionable Items:**
– **Immediate Tasks:**
– Select research topic and finalize research question by the end of class.
– Submit preferred senior thesis supervisors by end of day to the department.
– **Upcoming Deadlines:**
– Contact assigned senior thesis supervisor by next week.
– Complete the Senior Thesis Supervisory Form during the first meeting.
– **Preparatory Tasks:**
– Start reading and collecting resources on chosen topic.
– Develop a structured plan and timeline for thesis submission with the help of the supervisor.
– **Ongoing Reminders:**
– Ensure consistent participation and engagement, both in-person and online.
– Reflective writing assignments are due every two weeks.
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Preliminary Research Topic Selection
In this task, you will identify and refine your preliminary research topic question, a crucial step in developing your senior thesis. This process helps you begin formulating a focused and researchable question, laying the groundwork for your thesis proposal.
Instructions:
1. Review your notes and any relevant materials from last week’s session where you first pitched your research topics.
2. Reflect on the feedback provided by your peers and your instructor to ensure clarity and focus in your topic selection.
3. Consider the attributes of a strong research question as discussed in the lesson: clarity and focus, researchability, complexity and depth, and theoretical alignment.
4. Select a specific area, location, or aspect of your broad topic that interests you the most.
5. Draft a preliminary research topic question that meets the above criteria—ensure it’s specific and measurable.
6. Be prepared to share and discuss your preliminary research topic with your classmates and instructor in the next class session.
ASSIGNMENT #2: Senior Thesis Supervisor Selection
This assignment requires you to choose potential senior thesis supervisors based on their qualifications and areas of expertise, which will be critical for guiding your thesis development process.
Instructions:
1. Review the list of potential senior thesis supervisors provided during the lesson, along with their qualifications and specific areas of expertise.
2. Reflect on which supervisors align best with your preliminary research topic and could provide valuable guidance based on their areas of expertise.
3. List two potential supervisors you are interested in working with as your senior thesis advisors.
4. Submit your selected supervisors’ names to the designated submission portal by the end of today.
5. Once notified of your assigned supervisor, reach out via email to set up an initial meeting to discuss your thesis project and complete the Senior Thesis Supervision Form during your first meeting. Aim to establish a regular meeting schedule to ensure consistent progress.