Composing An Art History Dissertation Proposal

Almost every university or institution that the student attends, always insists on research and homework being done by the student which is then presented to the instructor in the form of a freelance thesis or essay. This is done either mid –term or at the end of the term and is a useful exercise. Sometimes the research proposal is part of the final submission as well.

In the case of art history students, some universities insist on giving history dissertation topics whereas others allow the student to choose a freelance art history dissertation topic as per their likes and interest.

A thesis proposal is a description of:

1. What the entire thesis is all about
2. It includes the questions which will be answered in the essay
3. It includes the homework done and the reference made to the background of the entire theory
4. It consists of the methods of research being conducted – it could be either empirical or it could be nonempirical.
5. It includes what the student feels will be the potential outcomes of conducting the study.

This proposal when put together well, serves as an investment. It helps the student save time later and it gives the outline of the entire article.

The student should compose the proposal, even when not required so that he or she will get feedback from the instructor. The supervisor will be able to guide the student with regards the style and the tone which needs to be followed.

In composing a history dissertation the student should ensure the following points are met:

1. It should be written in the future tense
2. It should consist of the title of the essay
3. The objectives of the topic should not be more than three else it means that the area is too broad to be covered.
4. The context, background, and literature should be mentioned where areas of study or schools of through are referred to.
5. Next, the details of the research which are to be conducted is to be mentioned
6. The methodologies that will be employed
7. The outcomes that the student hopes to achieve
8. Followed by a Gantt chart or some sort of timelines which detail the different milestones
9. Finally, a bibliography needs to be added which will list out the references used

It always helps when doing an art history project to know the topic well. It is also important to be articulate, professional and concise. The student should focus on the topics which are given and not bother about being in competition with others. Most importantly the format needs to be strictly followed.

All the above points are necessary when composing a high-quality proposal.