This collection presents thesis writing resources developed by the RISD Center for Arts & Language, RISD faculty, the Office of Graduate Studies, and RISD alumni.
View HIGHLIGHTS | The RISD Graduate Thesis Book Exhibition. HIGHLIGHTS features 37 recent Master’s thesis books that are exemplary both overall and for their “highlights”—particular qualities of research, writing, documentation, and design. It accompanies the publication of the first Book of Thesis Books, a guide in which annotations illuminate the many virtues of each book.
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A Guide to Thesis Book Design
Marcus Peabody and Center for Arts and Language
57 pages. "This guide is more basic and specific than other design manuals. Used in isolation it should tell you all you need to produce your book, even without prior graphic design knowledge. It could also be a starting point for a deeper dive into book design: other manuals that deal more thoroughly with elements such as book binding or typography are mentioned along the way for further reference." – from the introduction. "This book is set in Brandon Grotesque and Miller Text. Written and designed by Marcus Peabody (GD MFA 2019). Edited by Jen Liese and Meredith Barrett (A&L). Additional design and typesetting by Everett Epstein (GD MFA 2020)." – Colophon
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The Book of Thesis Books
Elizabeth Leeper, Jennifer Liese, and Center for Arts & Language
89 pages : color illustrations ; 18 x 23 cm."This guide is intended to help future thesis writers understand the range of approaches to and content in RISD thesis books, locate some especially strong examples in the Library's vast thesis collection, and imagine and plan their own theses." - from the introduction. "Introduction by Jennifer Liese" - Colophon. Contents: Academic thesis -- Monograph -- Project document -- Mosaic essay -- Artist's book. "Designed by Elizabeth Leeper (MFA Graphic Design 2017). Set in Parry and Parry Grotesque, by Artur Schmal, and printed by Lulu."--Colophon.
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The Master's Written Thesis
Anne West, Graduate Studies, and Center for Arts & Language
91 pages : illus. ; 26 cm; 2nd Edition. "This guide to thesis development is best used in discussion and negotiation with your Graduate Program Director and other thesis advisors. It may also be used as part of a workshop structure to explore in conversation with others the ideas and possibilities most appropriate to your own work." – Anne West, from the Introduction. "This remarkable handbook is a navigational instrument offered to assist each graduate student through the development of an independent, distinctive process of writing about—and with—one’s work." – Patricia C. Phillips, from the introduction. "The first edition of this handbook was produced in 1996, under the supervision of Graduate Dean Christina Bertoni. It was written to address the needs of graduate students preparing their written thesis and with the greatest concern for reducing thesis anxiety. Two reprints followed. With this second edition we have taken this guide through a vigorous and enthusiastic overhaul. The amplification of this guide parallels the scope of graduate study at RISD, which has enlarged considerably since our first effort over a decade ago. We hope that the results of this effort will be discussed in the context of departmental workshops and as such will strongly support graduates in achieving their personal and academic goals." – Anne West, from the acknowledgments. "Printed by Kase Printing, Inc. in Hudson, New Hampshire A print partner of Brown University Graphic Services Paper: Finch Fine Bright White Antique, 80lb. text and 100lb. cover Typeface: Galaxie Polaris by Chester Jenkins in 2008. Design: Mary Banas. Photography: Marta Labad unless otherwise noted." – Colophon