R13: Reflecting on the research process – writing a thesis ONLINE

Pre-requisite:

Reflecting on the research process – writing a thesis

1. Have access to a memory stick. You will be doing some writing during the session that you may want to keep.
2. Have access to all of the writing you have done so far towards your thesis (printed or on a memory stick). This may be several chapters, a single draft chapter, or some notes. What you have will depend on what stage you are at in your doctoral study.
3. Go on to the British Library ETHOS repository of thesis. http://ethos.bl.uk/. Search for a thesis in your subject area and download it to a memory stick. Study its structure and style as well as content. Make sure that you have access to this in the session. NOTE some theses may not have been digitised and this can take up to 3 weeks. Please make sure you can access a relevant thesis during the workshop

Take a look at the video clip about writing your thesis. It is a bit long and a bit self-indulgent in places but you may find it interesting and useful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yUQ4H5d8fo

Content:

In this session you will:

• Explore ways of getting started and 'seeing the big picture';
• Analyse a thesis in your subject*
• Consider ways of structuring your thesis,
• Create an outline of chapters, and sections within chapters using STYLES in microsoft Word;
• Share writing, editing and revising hints and tips

* Prior to attending this session you are required to download and study at least one thesis in your subject area from the ETHOS data base. (See Electronic Resources in the Library Infomation System). You will need to refer to this thesis during the session.

Facilitator: Dr Debra Cureton