Need input on a thesis idea for a paper

**Kevin Brown** · 24 Mar 11,, 03:06

I'm currently in the process of creating a thesis for a class research term paper, which was originally on the origins of warfare and it's evolution since. But it's turning out to be something that would be too broad to focus in on. Therefore, I was wondering what would be a good topic that I could zero in on that wouldn't diverge too much from the original statement, while at the same time being specific? That is the dilemma I'm in.

Any thoughts out there?

**Shek** · 24 Mar 11,, 03:18

Originally Posted by Kevin Brown

I'm currently in the process of creating a thesis for a class research term paper, which was originally on the origins of warfare and it's evolution since. But it's turning out to be something that would be too broad to focus in on. Therefore, I was wondering what would be a good topic that I could zero in on that wouldn't diverge too much from the original statement, while at the same time being specific? That is the dilemma I'm in.

Any thoughts out there?

That's not asking for input - that's asking for others to do your work for you. Sorry, nothing coming from this corner - you consistently take and do no giving in return.

**zraver** · 25 Mar 11,, 15:16

uhm, prostitution might be the oldest profession, but warrior is just as old. If you want help narrowing the focus you need to provide more info on the class. Are we talking pre-history 9origins of warfare et al) the first armies, the political/economic reasons modern nations choose war...... I don't mind helping build a thesis question, its what I get paid to do. Narrowing the conversation is critical.

For example- why are modern police.....?

most commonly in blue
armed with autos
usually on patrol alone

As you can see there is a lot of room to narrow the focus and each specific question becomes its own paper worthy topic

**Officer of Engineers** · 25 Mar 11,, 15:43

If you really want to see the origins of warfare, write a thesis on the wars between ant colonies.

**dave lukins** · 25 Mar 11,, 16:06

Originally Posted by Officer of Engineers

If you really want to see the origins of warfare, write a thesis on the wars between ant colonies.

Well that is certainly different Colonel but what a great idea.

**USSWisconsin** · 25 Mar 11,, 16:35

Originally Posted by Kevin Brown

I'm currently in the process of creating a thesis for a class research term paper, which was originally on the origins of warfare and it's evolution since. But it's turning out to be something that would be too broad to focus in on. Therefore, I was wondering what would be a good topic that I could zero in on that wouldn't diverge too much from the original statement, while at the same time being specific? That is the dilemma I'm in.

Any thoughts out there?

I started down the same path, trying to write about the Phenomenon of War - after a couple years it became clear that it wasn't a book - it was a library I was trying to write. The subject is far to broad. Studying the development of a major weapon, or the causes of a single war are book size topics, if you want to write a paper, which is essentially an article, you need a narrow subject, like answering a single specific question.

Perhaps you could discuss and address a question or a statement about wars, like: "War is inevitable for man", or "War has passed its usefulness in modern society" - then support or critizise the statement. "Is technology making war too dangerous?" the idea I had was to give yourself an reason to skim over and skip around the subject.

**troung** · 25 Mar 11,, 19:21

What class is it anyways?

**Kevin Brown** · 02 Apr 11,, 07:06

Originally Posted by USSWisconsin

I started down the same path, trying to write about the Phenomenon of War - after a couple years it became clear that it wasn't a book - it was a library I was trying to write. The subject is far to broad. Studying the development of a major weapon, or the causes of a single war are book size topics, if you want to write a paper, which is essentially an article, you need a narrow subject, like answering a single specific question.

Perhaps you could discuss and address a question or a statement about wars, like: "War is inevitable for man", or "War has passed its usefulness in modern society" - then support or critizise the statement. "Is technology making war too dangerous?" the idea I had was to give yourself an reason to skim over and skip around the subject.

I tried convicing my professor to let me go down some of those paths but he didn't let me.

So I've narrowed it down in the form of a big jump, to "The Pakistani's government's relationship with Islamic militancy".

Let's hope it works!

Finger's Crossed!

**Kevin Brown** · 02 Apr 11,, 07:07

Originally Posted by troung

What class is it anyways?

It's an English class with an emphisis on social sceinice writing, and it is part of one the many courses that I must take under a liberal art's curriculm.

**USSWisconsin** · 02 Apr 11,, 18:04

Originally Posted by Kevin Brown

I tried convicing my professor to let me go down some of those paths but he didn't let me.

So I've narrowed it down in the form of a big jump, to "The Pakistani's government's relationship with Islamic militancy".

Let's hope it works!

Finger's Crossed!

Sounds like a good thesis topic, I would be interested to see what you come up with.