THESIS: It’s Not That Bad, I Promise
Everyone has to do it. No one wants to talk about it. Let’s talk Thesis.
Thesis, senior seminar, capstone… it goes by many names. But at the end of the day, every senior Knight has to complete a final project that is the culmination of everything they studied here at Arcadia. Each spring semester, these projects are presented on Thesis Day–which, if you’re an undergrad, you may know as “Classes Are Canceled Day.” This year’s Thesis Day (2024) is April 26th. All around campus, seniors will be standing proudly by their projects that represent the amalgamation of all of their hard work!
Each department has its own way of handling theses–some assign large projects, some have students write papers, and some even do team-based simulations. My advice is to always go into your senior seminar with a general idea of what your major will require of you. You can simply ask your older peers, or inquire with your advisor/head of department. Personally, as a Media and Communication major, my thesis is broken down into two semesters, with the first being a written analytic paper and the second focusing on a creative project. Many of my Business Administration major friends work on a semester-long simulation that helps prepare them for the business world. Then, they get to present their results to their classmates and the rest of the school. My friends in the School of Public Health work on doing their own research and compiling papers. There are many ways that we all get to represent our majors and interests through these projects.
But it’s no secret–Thesis is tiring. It is a lot of work to be doing in your last semester(s) here, when you’re already overwhelmed with other classes and the job hunt. However, it is possible to make it significantly more manageable and enjoyable. The key to this? Picking a topic you love and sticking to a timetable.
Most departments are very flexible with the topic of your capstone project. For example, my assignment for the critical analysis paper was: “Pick a theory, write about it, then apply it to anything in the field of media and communication.” While there are guidelines, you are free to take your own spin on things. Do not forget that you have the power to make this project something fun and interesting for yourself! Pick a topic that you care about, something that interests and excites you. That makes the time, research, and preparation all so much easier.
I personally chose a topic that I knew I would just love: true crime podcasting. You may wonder: How do you connect that to some communication theory? Great question, but that is the beauty of thesis–you can connect it in any way you’d like! I personally decided to approach a few podcasts through the lens of narrative theory. True crime is a genre that I regularly consume and I wanted to challenge the notion of ethical true crime reporting through analysis of cognitive narratology. It was so much easier to write this paper since my research included listening to some of my favorite podcasts!
Next, make sure that you know, from day one, what your due dates are. Most thesis projects are incremental–meaning little parts are due every so often before the big project is finished at the end of the semester. Almost all professors will have a set of dates for you to keep track of. Write these dates down. Whether it’s a discussion board or a section of a paper, it is crucial that you get things turned in on time. Staying on track will help you succeed!
Having these dates down, alongside what is due, will help you map out what time to dedicate to your project. Listen, it’s a lot of work, especially when you are in a handful of other classes that also have deadlines to look out for. But when you write down the dates–I even put mine on my bedroom calendar–you feel so much more prepared and confident about what you’re supposed to be doing and when!
This next bit of advice goes for just about anything, but never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. Your professors and advisors are there to assist you in any way that you need. Can’t find a paper at Landman? Your professor can help you find an inter-library loan! Having a hard time choosing a topic? Your professor knows your strengths and can guide you! Difficulty with editing? Your professor is there to find resources with you! Always know that professors at Arcadia only want to see you succeed.
Now, I don’t know what to tell you about Thesis Day, because mine still awaits me in a few months. But I can say this–with the support of my peers and the guidance of my professors, I feel truly and adequately prepared for my capstone project. I have enjoyed so much of the process and I can’t wait to see the finished product.
You got this!
