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Although their subjects vary widely, every thesis must have three elements: an argument or question, an original analysis, and specific case studies.
The most important part of the thesis is its argument or main question. Every project must be centered on a new analysis of its subject. For example, many theses about armed conflicts develop new ideas on their causes or impacts. One way to develop your argument is to pose a question that you believe has not been answered correctly, fairly, or adequately. Many theses state that question up front, and their answer to it is their argument. No matter what your argument is, it should be presented in the introduction.
The content of the thesis must be centered on an analysis, with all information presented clearly connected to the main argument. Material that is not directly related to it should be avoided.
Along with analysis, an argument is supported by specific cases that demonstrate its value or correctness is specific instances. Theses on global trade, for example, will use specific treaties, countries, or commodities to support their arguments.
All spelling and grammatical errors must be corrected before final submission. Because word processing programs have grammar and spell checkers, use them.
To make sure your writing is clear, read your proposal aloud—then have someone else read it aloud. If your sentences seem too long, divide them into two or three sentences. Try to write the same way that you speak when explaining a concept, avoiding a complex word if a simpler word will do.
Figures help illustrate important aspects of the background material, sample data, and analysis techniques. A well-chosen and well-labeled figure can reduce text length, and improve clarity. When figures are taken from other articles, they should be modified to better present your particular point. Modern computer technology such as scanners and drafting programs can help you create or modify the graphs and pictures to be included in the text.
See the M.A. Thesis draft rubric (pdf) used by Professor Johnson to see what is typically expected in an M.A. thesis. We also recommend The Craft of Research as a guide for the research process.
Cite all ideas, concepts, text, and data that are not your own. If you make a statement, back it up with your own data or a reference. All references cited in the text must be in the bibliography. All references must be adequately cited. After a quote or statistic taken from another source, cite the author name, date, and page number of the work in parenthesis (e.g., Fanon, 1972, 43). The full description of those references must be in the bibliography (see below). Alternative for single-author references are using the surname of the author (followed by date of the publication in parenthesis): a. … according to Hays (1994) b. … population growth is one of the greatest environmental concerns facing future generations (Hays, 1994). (Note: If the citation is made at the end of a sentence, the period is placed after the citation).
Cite double-author references by the surnames of both authors (followed by date of the publication in parenthesis) (e.g., Simpson and Hays, 1994). Cite more than double-author references by the surname of the first author followed by et al. and then the date of the publication (e.g., Pfirman, Simpson and Hays would be Pfirman et al., 1994.
Cite newspaper articles using the newspaper name and date (e.g., This problem was also recently discussed in the press (The New York Times, January 15, 2000.)
All references cited in the text should be in the bibliography in alphabetical order. The easiest way to make your bibliography is through RefWorks, a web-based program that puts all your references in the proper format with online access. To attain RefWorks, go to the Brooklyn College library website. Select “All Databases,” scroll down to “R,” and choose RefWorks. Instructions on registering for and using RefWorks will then guide you, but do not hesitate to contact a librarian. They are very helpful, as is the RefWorks support network. When putting together your bibliography in RefWorks, you may select among several different formats. We recommend the APA format, which is outlined below for each reference type.
Bibliography: Calhoun, C. J., & McGowan, J. (1997). Plurality, promises and public spaces. Hannah Arendt and the meaning of politics (pp. 232–259). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. In-Text Citation: (Calhoun & McGowan, 1997)
Bibliography: Lodge, G. C. (1970). Engines of change; United States interests and revolution in Latin America (1st ed.). New York: Knopf In-Text Citation: (Lodge, 1970)
Bibliography: Agamben, G., & Rocke, M. (1995). We refugees. Symposium, 49(2), 114–119. In-Text Citation: (Agamben & Rocke, 1995)
Author (if applicable); Organization, web address, date accessed
Example: Habermas, J., NetLibrary (1991). The structural transformation of the public sphere an inquiry into a category of bourgeois society. http://www.netLibrary.com/, Accessed June 25, 2009. In-Text Citation: (Habermas & NetLibrary, 1991)
Bibliography: Author Last Name, First Name. “Story Headline,” Newspaper, Date, Page.
Bibliography: Smith, J. (1999). Study of subways. Unpublished Ph.D., University of Alabama. In-Text Citation: (Smith, 1999)
If you use Wikipedia as a resource, you should refer to the scholarly or other sources cited in the specific entry. If the general entry is cited, see “citing Wikipedia” on its site.
The title page should be written in the following format:
TITLE
_______________________________________
A Thesis
Presented to
The Faculty of the Department of Political Science
Brooklyn College
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
Master of Arts
By
Your Name
Spring/Fall, Year
The thesis should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font.
Prefatory material (e.g., the table of contents) is to be numbered consecutively in small Roman numerals. All other pages (including bibliography, and appendices) are to be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals in the upper right-hand corner.
The text is to be double-spaced, except for quotations of more than three lines. The left margin is to be 1.25 inches, and all other margins one inch. There should be two spaces between sentences.
The thesis is to use un-punched, regular paper, 8½ by 11 inches in size. Every page must be clean and free of marks, cross-outs, or other corrections.
