In an effort to stave off what has been the daunting task of initiating the process of writing my thesis (they call it a final project, but I’m inclined to make it sound traditional in the name of tradition), I’ve been consciously oblivious to the proper steps to complete this assignment. Normally, I would start my paper by going to the assigned readings. This is easy. In a typical situation I would merely follow protocol and, eventually, reach the desired goal within the alloted time.
This assignment is not typical in any of the numbers of ways that one would engage this project.
This assignment is not typical because there is no pre-defined path, no assigned readings, and no explicit deadline. The structure is loose and the framework is ill-defined. Basically, I can do whatever I want. The problem is that whenever I do whatever I want, there is some sort of catch. Without descending into a full-on complaint, I’m inclined to note that a true resolution is possible; I’m just unaware of how I’ll make it happen.
Therefore, I am proposing how I will write my thesis. These steps will help me find my true solution.
1) …
As I think about it, I’m reminded of a time (read: last Spring) when I went to school and sat in on a lecture that provided me with some tips on how to successfully write papers of this size. My meta-knowledge needed this blog entry as a trigger. I guess shedding these ideas onto the screen was the best way for me to get this assignment started.
1) Planning
2) Research
3) Developing an Argument
4) Draft
5) Revisions
6) Final Project/Presentation/Publishing