Senior Thesis · Art History And Archaeology
In this senior thesis course, I learned how to independently develop and structure a substantial research project, culminating in the creation of a 35-50 page paper. The self-directed nature of the course allowed me to refine my topic, formulate a clear research question, and begin crafting my introduction and first chapter. I gained valuable skills in research methodologies, source analysis, and academic writing, particularly in organizing complex arguments over an extended piece of work. Additionally, I developed time management and project planning skills, as the course required balancing long-term goals with deadlines. The process also provided new perspectives on navigating a large-scale academic endeavor, emphasizing self-discipline and iterative improvement through feedback.
The skills set I acquired during this course will be invaluable. Being able to work with the same topic for an entire year, doing extensive research and writing was a formative experience. Not only did I learn about how to approach my topic and inevitably select things that would not be on the final project. I also learned much about formatting technicalities, how to incorporate quotes, etc.
Overall, the senior thesis course was a rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience, offering students the opportunity to independently develop a significant research project. As an optional thesis, it’s ultimately what you make of it—it provides the framework and support, but the level of engagement and effort you invest determines the quality of the outcome. The course is a yearlong commitment to your essay, requiring consistent work and dedication. While it can be challenging to manage such a large-scale project, the structure and feedback provided are invaluable in developing your research and writing skills. I would recommend this course to another student who is prepared for the responsibility of managing a long-term project and is passionate about exploring a specific topic in depth. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys independent research and is ready to tackle the challenges of writing a substantial academic paper. However, it’s important to recognize that this course demands commitment and self-discipline, so prospective students should be prepared for the time and effort it requires. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2024 Course: AHISUN3002_001_2024_3-SENIORTHESIS : AHISUN3002_001_2024_3 - SENIOR THESIS Instructor: Barry Bergdoll
Process of researching, writing, revising and presenting a thesis
I learned how to write a thesis from beginning to end. Also, I learned how to make a thesis into a talk.
It is a lot of work and very demanding to write a thesis, very rewarding however. Transformative experience.
Very useful feedback from my supervisor. Thorough edits and dedication to all of his students.
How to structure a thesis and develop a thesis argument. Research methods and how to use library resources at Columbia. Going through editing process with multiple editors of my work.
This course is intense—it takes a part of your soul, but in doing so, gives you something remarkable in return. I began to really learn what it means to write and think at a sustained, rigorous level. It wasn’t just about producing a thesis, but about learning how I construct ideas, how I work under pressure, and how my thinking develops over time. I gained not only analytical and research skills, but a deeper understanding of myself as a writer and thinker—how I approach big questions, when I need to step back, and how to push through uncertainty toward clarity.
Even if you hate writing a thesis in the process, it is really fulfilling in the end