Writing a thesis paper off a book? (Fear&Loathing in LV) Help.. confused..?

Question

I feel dumb but I can't understand what my professor wants exactly. Maybe I dont understand what a thesis is exactly. I am going to read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. SO after I read that book, he wants this:

Read one of the recommended texts for your term paper, and either choose from the

suggested topics on the next page or develop one of your own to build a thesis about a

subject related to the history of journalism.

Tips for Organization: Your paper should reflect the best qualities of journalistic

technique and historical interpretation (see the Style Guide posted on the course Web

site). You will be graded primarily on the clarity of your writing and the depth of your

interpretation. Use the following outline to guide your organization, remembering to

build a narrative with a thesis that runs from the beginning to the end of your paper.

! Introduction: Summarize your topic relative to the focus of your thesis.

! Context: Explain key concepts from the text with a historical perspective.

! Depth: Detail the essential w/w/w/w/w/h of the text, addressing questions from

the next page or according to your own findings.

! Interpretation: Based on your reading of the text, in your own words (without first

person or overly subjective language) provide a “so what?”

! Conclusion: Assess the role of the text you have selected in addressing a

particular historical issue and its importance for a member of the media. How

does the “so what?” apply to a study of journalism history?

Has anyone read this book and know how it can apply to the history of journalism? What about the thesis part? I'm confused how this all fits together :( Help

Answer 1

Well, once you read the book you will see how the paper will come about. He was a very influential writer, and had ideas before his time. He was very political and had great influence in the the journalism world. Good luck. I love writing thesis papers but I know how tough they can be!

Answer 2

Evidently the novel is a fictionalized account of the author's visits to Las Vegas to research an investigative article.. There's the "history of journalism" aspect.  This link may halep put it in perspective: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_and_Lo...

As for the thesis, it's what YOU want to say about the book and its bearing on the general topic. After you've finished reading and let the book sink in for a bit, ask yourself, "What's the author's purpose, and how does he achieve it?"  Or "What does this book have to do with the history of journalism?"  The answer to one of those questions, stated in one sentence, should give you at least a working these, which you'll then focus on, one way or another, throughout your paper.