BA thesis

Structure your BA thesis (30 pp. – see below) as follows:

1. Introduction (ca. 2-3 pp.)

should include

at least one or more paragraph(s) to introduce the topic and the focus of the thesis (its context and
relevance for research in the respective field, e.g. gaps or controversies),

followed by a clear formulation of the thesis and respective research questions (specify also if you
follow a certain line of research and will illuminate it in your thesis)

and conclude with a passage describing the planned procedure – including formulations like

To prove this thesis, I will first … . Then, … . In the next chapter … . Finally, …

and thereby refer to the main chapters of the thesis.

2. Theoretical approach/framework (if applicable) and very brief review of the pertinent (!) research

literature

3. Historical, cultural, contextual background for your study (if applicable)

Note: Sections 1-3 should take up no more than approx. 1/3 of your whole thesis (i.e. no more than
10 pp). Make sure that what you select to be mentioned here will be important for your own
analyses in the main part: You may imagine your thesis as a house - the Introduction is the Parlor
from which all kinds of corridors lead inside. Chapters 2 and 3 need to be exactly the 2 Corridors that
lead to the Main Hall, where the really important meeting (your analysis) takes place. There might be
zillion other corridors (theories and cultural facts connected to your topic) but only the ones that
lead to the Main Hall (your analyses) will be helpful.

4. Main Part (to be subdivided into several subsections!!!)

- analyses of works that are clearly documented with reference to relevant research

approaches and theories and with reference to your research questions

- address also narratological aspects or aspects of film techniques and their effects for the

reader/viewer; address possible criticism of the text.

Note: This is your major research/analysis and should take up approx. 2/3 (i.e. 20 pp.) of your whole
thesis, including the conclusion.

5. Conclusion (summarize your arguments and research findings, reflect on

challenges/limitations of the study, give possible view as to further research on this topic)

The BA thesis should be approx. 30 pages long (no more than 33, no less than 27 pp.), excluding
bibliography/references and appendices (if applicable). Format: A4-page, Times New Roman 12 pt.
font size, 2.5 cm margins, 1.5-spaced.

The generic titles of the parts 2-4 need to be substituted by individual titles referring to your topic
and aim of writing.