https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_ELBALESSCRStudents learn how to: delineate a research topic; build a theoretical framework; structure an argument; analyze primary sources; find and assess secondary sources; write academic English; adhere to the MLA citation style; plan research and writing tasks; and incorporate feedback in their writing.The thesis trajectory consists of two phases: (1) preparation and (2) writing. (1) During the preparation phase, students work in peer groups on the delineation of their thesis topic. This results in an individual thesis proposal. Based on the proposal, an individual supervisor is assigned. (2) During the writing phase, students meet with their supervisor for one-on-one feedback sessions on their written work. The outcome of the trajectory is a thesis of 7,000 to 10,000 words.(1) Preparation phase: two mandatory colloquium meetings. (2) Writing phase: three (optional) one-on-one meetings. The dates of both the colloquium and the one-on-one meetings will be announced in the syllabus, which will be posted on Canvas.The supervisor and a second assessor will assess the thesis on: topic delineation and relevance; use of theory; structured presentation of findings; precise analysis of primary materials; incorporation of secondary sources; cogency and persuasiveness of arguments; academic English writing; implementation of MLA citation style; and the student’s independence during both the preparation and writing phases.This will be decided on an individual basis.This thesis trajectory is part of the Bachelor’s program Literature and Society: EnglishPlease check with the study advisor if you are not sure if you meet all the requirements to register for the thesis. Please note that as of this academic year, students no longer have to sign up separately for the Bachelor Thesis Colloquium Literature and Society English, which is now part of "Bachelor Thesis Literature and Society English."For any and all questions regarding the Bachelor’s thesis trajectory, students should contact the thesis coordinator (prof. dr. Diederik Oostdijk) via email (
[email protected]).The Bachelor’s thesis trajectory is offered twice per academic year: (i) once in the Spring semester (the regular trajectory); and (ii) once in the Fall semester (for students who failed their thesis in the previous academic year). (i) The entry requirement for the Spring trajectory is: successful completion of all year 1 and year 2 modules of the Bachelor’s program Literature and Society: English. (ii) The entry requirement for the Fall trajectory is: successful completion of all year 1 and year 2 modules, plus all year 3 (non-thesis) modules (including the modules/credits of the first semester) minus one, of the Bachelor’s program Literature and Society: English.All relevant information (e.g., syllabus, example theses, assessment form) will be posted on Canvas. In addition, students must upload sections and final versions of their thesis to Canvas. Hence, as soon as students have access to the Canvas site of the thesis trajectory, they should carefully read through all the documents posted there.