Step 1: Explore your research interests
This is the most important step—finding the right research project will help you develop your skill-set for the next step in your career. It is imperative to start with creating a project proposal. This will make finding a faculty to work with much easier. To get started, please review How to come up with a thesis for a paper (without divine intervention). This video was created by one of your IDS professors, Paul Cassell, to help you begin thinking about your directed study project.
Below are some additional ideas to get you started:
- What classes have you most enjoyed?
- When people ask you why you like your major, what do you say?
- Whether you are an online or ground student, The ASU Library is a good place to start!
- Check out ASU Libraries’ tutorial on topic selection found here (http://www.asu.edu/lib/tutorials/research-topics/)
- Make an appointment with a subject librarian at one of the ASU Libraries to discuss potential thesis/creative project ideas. A list of subject librarians can be found at http://lib.asu.edu/librarians
- What articles and books do you find interesting? Check out the ASU Library research guide for your major.
- Try completing the Directed Study Planning Worksheet!
- Reflect on past experience to determine interests.
- Talk to faculty about topics that are interesting and relevant to coursework, major, career interests, or from ongoing faculty research.