Understanding and Applying an Evolving Thesis

Dec 3, 2024

Lecture Notes: Evolving Thesis

Introduction to Evolving Thesis

  • Definition: An evolving thesis is a thesis that develops and becomes more complex as it interacts with sources and evidence throughout an essay.
  • Purpose: Allows the integration of many sources, providing a natural extension of the XYZ thesis.

Understanding the Evolving Thesis

  • Core Idea: The thesis makes essentially the same claim but evolves as it encounters new evidence and sources.
  • Visual Metaphor: Snowball metaphor – the thesis accumulates and integrates new information like a snowball.

Example: Cohen's Thesis

  • Initial Thesis (1.0): "The monster's body is a cultural body" – a specific, arguable, and compelling claim.
  • Evolution Process:
    • Thesis 2: Introduction of transformation and change over time.
    • Thesis 3: Idea of categories and the hybrid nature of the monster.
    • Thesis 4: Cultural difference.
    • Thesis 5: Permissibility and restriction.
    • Thesis 6: Relationship between desire and fear.
    • Thesis 7: Synthesis of all previous claims.

Process of Evolving a Thesis

  • Start with Thesis 1.0: An initial claim about a film or TV show that is informed by prior research.
    • No need for sources initially.
    • Support with basic evidence and analysis.
  • Introduce New Sources:
    • Each source should prompt a rethinking of the thesis.
    • Reframe thesis with new information.
    • Repeat with new sources until the most complex claim is reached.

Using Sources in Your Essay

  • Background or Context: To provide genre or contextual information.
  • Introducing Concepts: Define terms or introduce concepts from other disciplines.
  • Lens Application: Use sources for deeper analysis, applying terms as lenses.
  • Supporting Claims: Use sources to back up existing claims.
  • Alternative Readings: Engage with sources that have differing interpretations.

Strategies for Evolving Thesis

  • Complexity: Each thesis iteration should be more complex than the last.
  • Source Integration: Ensure sources are influencing the evolution of the thesis.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Oversimplification: Initial thesis should not be too simple or vague.
  • Overcomplexity: Initial thesis should not be too complex.
  • Repetition: Avoid repeating the same claim without adding new insights.
  • Source Irrelevance: Ensure sources are contributing to the thesis evolution.
  • Skipping Steps: Ensure each thesis evolution is well-supported and logical.

Conclusion

  • Contact Info: Reach out for further questions about writing and researching.
  • Assignment: Begin working on writing and researching with the evolving thesis model.