Finally, after years of exams and hard work, the time has come to think about your thesis and carefully choose the topic you intend to focus on. The choice of the subject you want to deepen is indeed a delicate moment and too often young students underestimate its importance. But do not worry, Ludwig, your favourite linguistic search engine, is here to help you. So, here are five simple steps that will help you to make the best choice.
1. Why are you writing your thesis?
Before choosing the topic of your thesis, consider why you are going to write it. I know exactly what you are thinking right now: “I have to write a thesis because it is required for the achievement of my MA or BA”. But this is a rather superficial approach. The first thing you need to consider is whether you want to continue your academic career or you want to finish your studies as soon as possible to find a job. Another important factor is the amount of time, effort, and money you are willing to invest.
2. In which exams did you get top grades? What do you find particularly interesting?
Let’s face it. If you have chosen a faculty rather than another it is because you already have a certain interest in some disciplines. Check the list of your exams: which ones did you like the most? Which topic would you like to deepen? You have to spend a certain amount of time writing your thesis and this should be an exciting process, not a torture. So, try to choose a topic that is close to your heart but, at the same time, try to be concrete (see point 4).
3. Choose and talk with your supervisors right away
Once you have identified the discipline you would like to deepen, the best thing you can do is to contact the professor, or the professors, who teach such subjects. Go to your professors' office hours or attend their tutoring sessions. Another good way to break the ice would be to send an email ( here and here you can find some useful tips). Find out if they would be interested to supervise you and, remember: a good professor will certainly suggest some interesting papers or books to you in order to clarify your ideas.
4. Be concrete: the importance of feasibility
This is another fundamental aspect that too often students overlook. You have to choose a topic that is feasible. In other words, you have to make the most of what you have got. In the university where you are currently located do you have at your disposal all the facilities (such as laboratories, books, access to scientific journals, etc.) you really need to accomplish your thesis? If you need to go abroad to find and check documents, can you afford this trip (for example thanks to special grants or personal savings)? Be careful and choose a topic that is feasible in the light of your actual situation. Now, if you just realized that your chances are limited, especially if compared with those of your colleagues, do not despair and do not panic. If you are good enough to choose a feasible topic, no one will stop you from writing an amazing thesis. You have just to be smart and play your cards wisely. Trust me: sometimes, the best manuscripts arise from difficult situations.
5. Narrow your topic and then… continue to narrow your topic as you move through the writing process
This is probably the best suggestion I can give you: your topic has to be narrow and specific. Above all, you have to be able to handle all the scientific literature concerning the subject. Let’s consider some examples: do you want to write about fake news? This topic is definitely too broad, but you can narrow it down. For example, you can choose to deal with the role played by fake news in a specific situation, such as within the context of a specific war conflict or during a specific election campaign. Do you want to write about gentrification? Choose a specific case study, for example how gentrification is working in a restricted geographical area.
Ludwig’s wrap up
Choosing the right subject for a thesis is an important step that no student should underestimate. It's not just about picking a topic you like (even though it is an important factor). You have to consider your actual situation, such as the time, money, and means at your disposal and, above all, why you are writing this thesis: do you want an academic career? Or do you just want to get a degree and throw yourself into new adventures?
Remember that the topic of your thesis has to be narrow: in the academic world, no one is interested in vague generic discourses. Keep also in mind that you cannot choose and deepen the topic of your thesis by yourself, you need a supervisor who must approve your subject and has to follow you during the writing process.
Good luck!
