The English department is experimenting with something new this year. Thursday at 4 p.m. the department will put on a presentation for graduate students preparing to write their thesis proposals known as a prospectus.

Presentation organizer and member of the English department’s graduate studies committee, Dr. Bredesen explained that this is the first year for such a presentation. She said that the program will outline the general expectations of all English theses. Bredesen said, “Students will consult closely with their faculty thesis director, but this presentation will give them a general guide needed for writing a successful prospectus, which in turn will assist them in producing the thesis.”

Writing a thesis is a major undertaking for students and Bredesen hopes this presentation will give guidance and insight to students preparing to write their proposals. She said, “When students write a thesis proposal independently they sometimes fail to realize that they are part of a larger scholarly conversation.” They often lack perspective and miss or repeat themes that more research and talking with their advisor could point out. She said, “Sometimes their topic is too broad and needs to be focused, sometimes they need more breadth.” In this presentation, Bredesen and other faculty will address some key points needed for a strong foundation of a proposal.

Ed Wehrle, graduate coordinator for the history department, agrees that students need to seek guidance when writing their theses. He said, “While the history department will not have any presentation, we do work intensely one-on-one with our graduate students.”

He explained that the history department leaves a thesis proposal up to students. Wehrle said “A proposal is just a guideline. Theses change and a final thesis may look nothing like the original proposal.”

A thesis proposal is just the beginning. Wehrle explained that it is not uncommon for students to take an extra year to finish a thesis. Both Bredesen and Wehrle agree that a thesis is a great endeavor. Wehrle added that writing a thesis is a rewarding experience and he is excited for students that are about to partake in this journey. These students have a long road ahead of them full of intense research, endless rewrites, and many sleepless nights; however, the end product is worth it.