HT709 Thesis Proposal

(Revised January, 2021)

Course Description

Designed for those enrolled in the MA Historical Theology emphasis and may be attempted only after all the core courses for the degree have been completed. This course entails preparation for the completion of a thesis in the Spring Semester. The thesis proposal will be developed in consultation with faculty in the department of theological studies and will include a brief statement of topic, the state of the question, the proposed argument, research methods and a bibliography of primary and secondary sources.

Content and Organization

1. Introduction

1. Name

2. Context, i.e. your personal interest in this project (why are you writing this project?)

2. Brief Statement of the Topic

1. What is the topic?

2. Why should anyone care about this topic?

3. State of the Question (in the secondary literature)

1. What is at issue?

2. What is the state of the secondary literature?

4. Proposed Argument

1. What is your tentative thesis/argument/hypothesis?

2. How do you intend to make your case?

5. Research Methods

1. What historiographic method will you use?

2. What sources will you use?

6. Bibliography

1. What are the most important primary sources?

2. What are the most important secondary sources?

Supervisor and Reader

1. Who is your proposed supervisor?

2. Who is your proposed reader?

Length

Not to exceed 3000 words, double-spaced (this is a limit, not a goal).

Preparation

1. Please read or re-read On the Writing of Essays.

2. Please read (or re-read) MA (HT) Thesis Guidelines

Due Date

Last day of the Winter Term Final Exam period, 10:00 AM.

Comments

Most of your effort should be directed toward explaining the topic you are researching, the state of the question and explaining how your research supplements the current body of knowledge. It is understood that your thesis may change as your research progresses.

Guides

Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition

Assertion of Intellectual Property Rights

The instructor holds the copyright to all course lectures and original course materials. This copyright extends to student notes and summaries that substantially reflect the lectures or original course materials. Course lectures and materials are made available for the personal use of students only and may not be recorded or otherwise distributed (including the publication of student notes or summaries on social media) in any way for commercial or non-commercial purposes without the express written permission of the instructor.

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