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Searching for Books
Books in the library are organized according to the Library of Congress system, which means books are organized according to subject and labeled with a call number. Call numbers are arranged alphabetically then numerically (see the examples above).
To find books or other materials held physically within the library, please search the catalog for the item's availability and shelf location.
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Writing Your Thesis Statement
What is a thesis statement?
- A thesis statement comes at the beginning of your paper.
- It is a statement that answers your research question.
- The statement is supported throughout your paper with examples and evidence.
What makes a good thesis statement?
- It takes a position, or advances an opinion.
- It is specific, not too broad, but not too narrow.
- It is an arguable statement; there is room for discussion or disagreement.
- It provides focus and generates interest in the reader.
Three Examples:
Taking a Position -
Poor (doesn't take a position):
- I'm going to write about the high rate of suicide and depression in transgender adolescents.
Improved (takes a position):
- The standard story of binary gender in our society creates a hostile environment for gender variant adolescents, as demonstrated by high rates of depression and suicide.
Specificity
Poor (very general):
- Europe is a great place to visit.
Improved (more specific):
- World travel is an important element to a well-rounded college education.
Arguable
Poor (not much here to argue with):
- Exercise is good for the elderly.
Improved (specific position that can be argued):
- Exercise, combined with antidepressants, is more effective in reducing depression in older adults given the prevalence of treatment-resistant depression in late life.