Thesis Seminar for Journalism & Communications

Course Description

JRN 394 introduces students to the purpose, structural elements and process of writing a Bachelor’s thesis in the Journalism program. It takes students through the stages of thesis writing: determining a relevant research question, writing a focused thesis statement, supporting that thesis theoretically and methodologically, as well as revising and editing drafts in accordance with the conventions of academic writing. Students will also learn to critically evaluate and incorporate sources to construct a sound argument as well as to use accurate citation format. The goal of the course is for students to acquire and develop the skills necessary to efficiently produce a Bachelors’ thesis of high academic quality.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Determine a relevant and proper research question.
• Determine a relevant and proper (preliminary) thesis statement to answer that question.
• Determine the relevant theory and methodology to inform the thesis statement.
• Find and properly incorporate quality resources into their argument in support of the thesis statement.
• Produce an overall quality foundation for further research with their thesis.
• Engage in constructive small-group peer revision and editing.  
• Critically read, write, and think.