1. How to Write a Thesis Statement for HWKWWK

2. What is a thesis?
"A proposition laid down, or stated, especially as a theme to be discussed and proved, or to be maintained against attack; a statement, assertion, tenant.“ OED

3. What does a Thesis Statement Do?
Tells the reader how you interpret the event
Provides a road map of where you are going in the paper
Can be disputed
May change as you write the paper

4. A thesis has 2 parts
During the Fukashima nuclear disaster, the Japanese government kept the extent of the radiation leak secret.
Topic Comment

5. Topic and Comment
The topic is a given; no one disputes it. The comment can be argued from one side or the other. The comment can be disputed.

6. How do I know if my thesis is good?

7. A good thesis is:
Interesting
Specific
Manageable

8. Good thesis, or bad thesis?
Some people believe the media does a poor job of covering elections

9. Some people believe the media does a poor job of covering elections.
Not Interesting
Nothing to dispute
Bland assertion that no one will disagree with
Not Specific
What's a "poor job"?
Which media?
United States?
TV, radio, newspapers, twitter?
Which elections?
State, local, national, international?
All elections ever?
Some people?
Who are they?
How many?
Why do they matter?
Not Manageable
How are you going to research all elections?
This isn't a paper, it's a library

10. Remember, for this class
The thesis for your final essay is not about the event you select. Your thesis is about HOW WE KNOW WHAT WE KNOW about that event.