Lesson Report:
## Lesson Report
**Title:** Senior Thesis Finalization: Structure, Submission, and Defense Procedures
**Synopsis:** This session focused on finalizing the senior thesis process. The instructor addressed student queries regarding Turnitin submissions, thesis structure, word count, citation styles, and the upcoming mock defense and state exams. A detailed walkthrough of the final thesis documentation requirements, including formatting, submission procedures, and academic integrity guidelines, was provided.
**Attendance:**
* No students were mentioned as absent in the transcript.
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Initial Q&A: Turnitin Submission & AI Check**
* **Topic:** Clarification on student access to Turnitin reports, specifically the AI detection component.
* **Details:**
* Students confirmed they can see the standard plagiarism report (highlighted text, source links) but not the AI detection percentage.
* Instructor offered to share screenshots of the AI report with students upon request after they submit their drafts via email.
* Discussion on the eCourse submission page for the senior thesis opening tonight.
* Instructor mentioned planning to allow unlimited uploads/deletions before the deadline so students can use Turnitin reports for editing.
* **Issue Raised:** Students (Amir, Alina) reported potential issues with Turnitin flagging subsequent uploads of the same work as self-plagiarism, even after deleting the previous version.
* **Instructor Response:** Acknowledged the issue as problematic, especially as others might not understand Turnitin nuances. Promised to investigate how Turnitin handles self-plagiarism in this context and explore ways to mitigate it (e.g., instructing Turnitin to ignore specific sources).
2. **Q&A: Thesis Content & Formatting**
* **Topic:** Clarifications on final chapters, word count, and citation style.
* **Details:**
* Hafaza asked about guidelines for the final two chapters. Instructor confirmed this would be covered and directed students to the “Final Documentation” link on eCourse.
* **Word Count:** Confirmed the 12,000-15,000 word count applies only to the main body (Introduction to Conclusion), excluding references, cover page, abstract, and appendices. 12,000 words is the acceptable minimum.
* **Citation Style:** Reaffirmed the use of APSA style, requiring parenthetical in-text citations (Author, Year) rather than footnotes (as in Chicago style). Footnotes should generally be avoided unless specifically permitted by the supervisor for supplementary information.
* **Recording:** Instructor granted special permission for Tuba to record the session for personal reference, noting AUCA’s general no-recording policy and that the covered material is documented on eCourse.
3. **Q&A: Thesis Rubric, Mock Defense & Scheduling**
* **Topic:** Questions about evaluation criteria, mock defense participation, and scheduling conflicts.
* **Details:**
* **Rubric:** Amir asked about the final thesis rubric. Instructor noted limitations on sharing full documentation but emphasized that criteria from previous chapter rubrics still apply. Key evaluation points for new sections (argumentation/interpretation) include clarity of arguments, use of solid evidence, proper citation, and avoiding large, unsourced claims. Structure, understandability, and evidence-based arguments are crucial.
* **Mock Defense Schedule:** Discussion about the mock defense dates (April 18th & 25th) conflicting with reduced class schedules on the 18th.
* **Instructor Response:** Acknowledged the scheduling challenge. Proposed potential solutions like lunch break sessions or prioritizing volunteers, but expressed reluctance to mandate Saturday meetings. Will finalize and post the schedule tonight.
* **Mock Defense Opt-Out:** Clarified the opt-out process. Students who *do not* want to participate must fill out the opt-out form by lunchtime today. Ignoring the form implies confirmation to participate. No grade penalty for opting out, but the weighting of other assignments (Chapters 2/3, final submission) will increase.
* **Date Selection:** Instructor might use a first-come, first-served basis for presentation slots due to scheduling issues, rather than random assignment.
4. **Q&A: State Exam & Final Defense Dates**
* **Topic:** Clarifying dates and format for the state exam and final thesis defense.
* **Details:**
* **State Exam:** Instructor confirmed dates are finalized but needed to check notes for specifics. Mentioned last year’s format involved an in-class timed essay combining Central Asian politics/political theory/IR theory (likely one strong 4-5 paragraph essay in English).
* **Final Defense:** Confirmed dates are May 26th and 27th (as listed in the documentation).
* **Exam Period:** Students noted the official state exam period is May 23rd to June 3rd. Instructor acknowledged the final defense and state exam would likely fall within the week of May 26th-30th. Promised to confirm exact state exam date.
5. **Q&A: Physical Thesis Submission (Online Students)**
* **Topic:** Clarification on the requirement for online (Afghan) students to submit physical copies.
* **Details:**
* Instructor confirmed physical copies are required from online students.
* Acknowledged the logistical challenge and mentioned Professor Atsunger’s previous suggestion of students arranging for a local contact to handle printing/delivery.
* Promised to discuss with Professor Atsunger today to establish a clear policy and procedure for online students’ physical submissions.
6. **Lecture/Walkthrough: Final Thesis Documentation**
* **Resource:** Instructor directed students to the “Final Documentation, Structure, Citation” document on eCourse.
* **General Notes:**
* The revised structure aims for three main body chapters, but existing content from previous drafts is still relevant, possibly just reorganized.
* The *supervisor* has the final say on structure; the provided guidelines are standardized recommendations allowing some flexibility.
* **Detailed Structure:**
* **Introduction:** (Existing content) Introduce topic, relevance, puzzle/problem, research questions, justification/significance, hypothesis (thesis statement), roadmap of chapters.
* **Chapter 1: Conceptual Framework, Theory, Literature Review:** (Combines elements from previous drafts)
* *Concepts:* Define key theoretical terms using definitions sourced from relevant academic literature (not Wikipedia/encyclopedias).
* *Theoretical Framework:* Explain the main theories used and *how* specific elements help answer the research question (don’t just summarize the theory).
* *Literature Review:* Synthesize literature by identifying themes and tracing scholarly debate/evolution within those themes (not just summarizing individual sources). Emphasized this was a weaker area in past drafts.
* **Chapter 2: Historical Background & Context:** (Moves historical background from previous Chapter 1 draft to its own chapter, may require expansion).
* Explain historical events and *how each connects* to the research question (not just a timeline). Connect events back to the research focus (e.g., media framing, policy changes).
* **Chapter 3: Methodology, Data Analysis, Interpretation & Findings:** (Combines previous Chapters 2 & 3, plus new interpretation section).
* *Research Design:* Explain the design (e.g., comparative analysis – which cases, why?), suitability for the question.
* *Data Collection:* Detail *exactly* how data was collected (specific sources, methods like web scraping, number of tweets/articles analyzed). Vague descriptions were noted as a major weakness in drafts. Quantification is key where applicable.
* *Data Analysis:* Explain *how* data was analyzed. Use visuals (charts, graphs) where possible to present findings.
* *Interpretation/Findings:* This is the core argument section. Explicitly connect findings back to research questions/hypotheses. Break down the main argument into sub-arguments/paragraphs. Use evidence (primary data collected, secondary sources) to support *every* claim. Link analysis back to the theoretical framework consistently using its concepts/terminology. Avoid unsourced opinions or “train of thought” writing.
* *Ethical Considerations/Limitations:* Briefly explain why IRB was/wasn’t needed (e.g., use of publicly available data). Mention limitations of the study. (Can be moved from methodology section if previously placed there).
* **Conclusion:** (Approx. 2 pages) Summarize main arguments/findings. Provide a clear, final answer to the research question. Restate significance (scholarly/practical). Note limitations and suggest avenues for future research.
* **Non-Body Components:**
* **Cover Page:** Provided a template (All caps title, Name, Standard department text block, Supervisor name [with Dr. if applicable], Date: April 2025). Emphasized centered formatting.
* **Acknowledgments (Optional):** Page after cover page to thank supporters.
* **Abstract:** (Existing content – 150-200 words) Summarize RQ, methods, key findings, significance. Placed after Acknowledgments/Cover Page.
* **List of Abbreviations:** Simple list of abbreviations used and their full names. Placed after Abstract.
* **Table of Contents:** Show main chapters and indented/italicized subsections with page numbers. Can use Word’s auto-generator if desired, ensuring final format matches the example. Bibliography and Appendices must be included.
* **Bibliography/References:** List all cited sources, formatted in APSA style. Use citation machines cautiously, double-check output.
* **Appendices:** Include supplementary materials (datasets, interview questions if applicable, list of article titles if full texts are too bulky). Not counted in word count. Should include materials not easily available elsewhere (e.g., if citing non-English sources not publicly available online, translation/original text might be needed – *instructor to confirm policy*).
* **Formatting Guidelines:**
* *Style:* APSA for all style/formatting questions (link provided).
* *Margins:* 2.54 cm (1 inch) on all sides.
* *Line Spacing:* 1.5 (not double).
* *Font:* Times New Roman, size 12 ONLY.
* *Page Numbers:* Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) for pre-introduction pages (Abstract, ToC, etc.). Page 1 starts on the first page of the Introduction. Include page numbers.
* *Chapters:* Each new chapter must start on a new page.
* *Headings:* Use clear headings/subheadings for subsections, matching the Table of Contents.
* *Printing:* Final hard copies must be printed double-sided.
* **Word Count:** 12,000 (min) to 15,000 (max) for Introduction through Conclusion only.
* **Submission Requirements:**
* *Deadline:* **Wednesday, April 30th, 17:00 Bishkek time.** Absolutely firm, no extensions, no late submissions accepted (submission at 17:01 means failure). Strongly advised submitting 24 hours early (by Tuesday, April 29th).
* *Electronic Copy:* Submit ONE single PDF file via eCourse. No other submission methods accepted.
* *Hard Copies:* Submit TWO physical copies, printed double-sided and **spiral-bound** (professional binding, not staples), to Nargiza’s desk before the deadline. Printing/binding can be done at CopyLand (AUCA basement) or elsewhere. Students likely need to sign a submission form.
* *Online Students:* Physical submission process to be clarified.
* **Academic Integrity:**
* Standard plagiarism/AI use policies apply (results in failure).
* Avoid “smoking guns” of AI use: fake/non-existent citations, random/unnecessary bullet point lists within paragraphs.
* **Cite Everything:** Lack of citation for non-general knowledge claims will lose points or be treated as plagiarism. When in doubt, cite.
7. **Lecture/Walkthrough: Mock & Final Defense Procedures**
* **Mock Defense (April 18th & 25th):**
* *Purpose:* Practice presenting arguments, receive feedback from supervisors/panel. Goal is constructive suggestions for improvement.
* *Format:* 10-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A/feedback.
* *Requirements:* Must submit PowerPoint slides (minimal text, key points, visuals) by 7:00 AM on the presentation day via eCourse (late submission = 5 points off).
* *Evaluation:* Assesses ability to distill thesis into a clear, digestible presentation for a non-expert audience, quality of arguments, and delivery.
* *Attendance:* Mandatory for all students (unless opted out). Students presenting can request others leave the room if uncomfortable.
* **Final Defense (May 26th & 27th):**
* *Format:* 10-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A.
* *Panel:* External academics and ICP faculty *not* involved in supervising theses (Supervisors and instructor will not be on the panel, though supervisors can attend as observers). Panel reads thesis beforehand.
* *Q&A Focus:* Interrogation of potential weaknesses (methodology, unsubstantiated arguments, lack of evidence, logic). Not just suggestions.
* *Expectations:* Deep knowledge of topic/definitions, ability to articulate scope/significance/limitations without notes, evidence of independent research presented clearly.
* *Responding to Weaknesses:* Key is acknowledging identified weaknesses and explaining the reasoning/limitations behind them, rather than aiming for impossible perfection. Knowing your paper’s weak spots is crucial.
* *Grading:* 67% written paper, 33% oral defense.
**Actionable Items:**
* **Urgent (Instructor Actions – By End of Day/Tonight):**
* Open Senior Thesis submission page on eCourse.
* Finalize and post the mock defense schedule, considering student availability and potential conflicts.
* Investigate and clarify the Turnitin self-plagiarism issue for students re-uploading drafts.
* Confirm exact State Exam dates and format.
* Finalize and communicate the policy/procedure for physical thesis submission for online (Afghan) students after discussion with Prof. Atsunger.
* **Follow-Up (Instructor Actions):**
* Check and confirm the policy regarding citing non-English sources (whether translation is required in appendix if source isn’t publicly available).
* Inquire with Prof. Atsunger about permission to share anonymized examples of past theses or more detailed rubrics.
* **For Students:**
* Students wishing to opt-out of the mock defense must submit the form by lunchtime today.
* Begin preparing mock defense presentations and PowerPoints (due 7 AM on presentation day).
* Review thesis structure against the provided guidelines and consult supervisors regarding any necessary reorganization, especially concerning Chapter 2 (History) and Chapter 3 (Methods/Interpretation).
* Pay close attention to formatting, citation (APSA in-text), and word count requirements.
* Plan for timely printing, spiral-binding, and submission well before the April 30th deadline.
Homework Instructions:
NO HOMEWORK
The lesson transcript details the final structure, formatting, submission requirements, and defense procedures for the senior thesis, but does not assign any new, distinct homework tasks to be completed before the next session.