Half-time analysis of The Junior Paper
Shanon FitzGerald, Social Sciences Correspondent
Springtime has arrived in New Jersey, and with it comes the busy season for Princeton students as they dive into independent work, including Junior Papers (JPs) and senior theses. But fear not, for we have some tips to help you navigate these projects with ease.
First and foremost, it's essential to choose a research topic that you are passionate about. This approach makes the process more enjoyable and meaningful. For instance, if you're a history major, you might benefit from access to archives and funding, which supports thorough research and long-form argumentation in your thesis.
The JP serves as an introduction to research methods and includes one-on-one mentorship, helping students develop a focused research question rather than a broad one. The senior thesis builds on this experience with regular advising, formal milestones, and aims to produce original work that students can be proud of, even if it's not perfect.
Grounding research in empirical data and narrowing down the topic specifically are common challenges noted by students. But don't worry, with faculty guidance being valuable throughout the process, you'll be able to overcome these hurdles. Speaking with an adviser is crucial for gaining clarity about a project.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, like our writer did when trying to understand the details of a book-length work of social criticism for their JP, don't hesitate to approach the task more systematically. Breaking it down into manageable chunks can help you stay on track and make progress.
Working alongside friends, classmates, or fellow writers can also help motivate and prevent quitting. The camaraderie can provide a supportive environment to bounce ideas off each other and stay accountable.
Remember, the JP and thesis are valuable learning experiences, not just flawless final products. So, take a deep breath, engage deeply with topics you care about, seek close interaction with advisors, and enjoy the journey!
The writer of this article, Shanon FitzGerald, has just completed their Junior Paper and wishes you a happy writing experience. You can share, email, print, or save this article for future reference. And if you're interested in learning more about independent work in the music department, be sure to check out our interview with Kristin Hauge.
[1] "Editing Independent Work: How to Know When You're Done" [2] "Independent Work in the Music Department: An Interview with Kristin Hauge" [3] [Article Unavailable] [4] "Independent Work at Princeton: A Guide for Students"
*This article originally appeared in The Princetonian and can be found at https://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2022/04/22/get-your-independent-work-done-without-stress-a-guide-for-princeton-students/
*The writer will likely be post-JP in the future.
- Navigating the challenges of Junior Papers (JPs) and independent work requires choosing a research topic that sparks personal interest, which aids in the enjoyment and learning process.
- Engaging in personal-growth opportunities like independent work, such as JPs and theses, not only fulfills educational requirements but also provides valuable learning experiences, encouraging self-development and the development of essential research skills.
