Self-Dependant Project Audit: Key Points to Examine Before Handing in Your Dissertation/Preliminary Report
Preparing Your Independent Academic Work: A Guide for Students
As the spring semester approaches, students are gearing up to complete their Theses and Junior Papers. This can be a challenging time, with numerous deadlines and independent work piling up. However, taking a few extra minutes to ensure all requirements are met will be worthwhile.
Adhering to Style Manuals
Your work should adhere to a recognized style manual, such as the Modern Language Association (MLA), Chicago Manual of Style, American Psychological Association (APA), or others specific to your field. Departments or advisors will typically guide you on which style to use.
Formatting Essentials
Standard page size is 8½ × 11 inches (US letter). Margins should be larger on the left (at least 1½ inches) to accommodate binding, with other margins at least 1 inch and consistent throughout the document. Text is typically double-spaced for readability, except for indented extended quotations which may be single-spaced. Fonts must be standard, usually sized between 10 and 14 points, with common fonts including Times New Roman or similar.
Pagination
Preliminary pages (like the table of contents) often use lower case Roman numerals centered at the bottom, excluding the title page from numbering. The main body and appendices use Arabic numerals, also centered at the bottom, with the first page of text counted but not numbered. Each new section (e.g., bibliography, chapters) should start with page numbers.
Structure
Typical theses include front matter (title page, abstract, dedication, acknowledgments, contents, lists of figures/tables), a body with logically ordered chapters (introduction, literature review, results, discussion, conclusions), and back matter (references, appendices).
Headings
Headings should be clearly differentiated by font size and style. Consistency in heading style throughout the document is stressed.
References and Citations
References should follow the discipline’s citation style and be formatted consistently. Titles of works, punctuation, italics, and capitalization all must conform to the chosen style guide.
File Format & Submission
Some institutions require electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) in archival PDF/A format with a title page starting each file. Submission often requires compliance with specific formatting checklists and guidelines provided by the university or department; failure to comply can result in rejection without feedback.
Additional Considerations
The Honor Code statement should be added and signed on the independent work. Students are encouraged to reach out to their Departmental Representative or a peer if they have concerns or questions about requirements. Formatting requirements may vary depending on the company used to print and bind independent work. It's important to confirm the preferred format for submitting independent work, including whether it should be a PDF or Word Document, whether bound or unbound copies are required, the number of hard and electronic copies, and whether it should be submitted to Mudd Library.
Checklist
An independent work checklist includes ensuring the inclusion of a Title Page, Acknowledgements, Table of Contents, Abstract, and Appendix.
Signing the Honor Code
The Honor Code statement text is: "This paper represents my own work in accordance with University regulations."
Remember, the key to success is in the details. By paying close attention to formatting and following the guidelines provided by your department, you can ensure that your independent work is of the highest quality. Good luck!
[1] University of California, Berkeley Library [2] University of Southern California Libraries [3] University of Michigan Library [4] Purdue University Online Writing Lab [5] University of California, Los Angeles Library
- As part of your undergraduate education-and-self-development, taking on an independent research project like senior thesis or junior paper offers personal-growth and learning opportunities.
- To make your junior paper or senior thesis stand out, carefully follow the formatting essentials, such as using a recognized style manual, adhering to the style's guidelines for references and citations, and ensuring consistency in headings.
- The process of completing an independent work like a junior paper or senior thesis won't just be about acquiring education-and-self-development; it's also essential to remember to sign the Honor Code and check the final draft against the provided checklist for successful completion and personal-growth.
