Personal Perspective on an Unconventional Academic Topic: A Look Back at My Journey
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In the world of academic research, there are topics that remain relatively unknown, hidden from the spotlight. For one Princeton University senior, this presented an opportunity to delve into the unexplored depths of a niche topic – the Mukhtaṣar al-Sharīʿa of ʿAbdallāh Qarāʿalī, an 18th-century Arabic Christian legal text from Lebanon.
The author's journey began with a clear identification of a specific gap within the field – a dismissive attitude towards the text by previous scholars. This sparked an interest to explore the text's approach to older legal texts, leading to a thesis topic that was both intriguing and manageable.
However, the author soon realised that the resources available were limited. Only a few paragraphs and couple footnotes have been written about the text in English, with the entire body of English-language academic work on the Mukhtaṣar totalling a mere two pages. To overcome this challenge, the author had to rely on scholarly writing not written in English, using AI-based translation software to understand French and German works related to the topic.
Finding an adviser for an under-researched topic like this could be difficult, as it might not align with a single professor's expertise. But the author stuck with their JP adviser due to beneficial past experiences and confidence in their ability to help tackle the topic. Advisers, it turns out, can connect under-researched topics to better-known areas of study and suggest strategies for tackling them.
Pursuing research as an undergraduate at Princeton offers the freedom to study almost anything, including niche or under-researched topics. Accidentally discovering a niche topic is common, and the author is no exception. The author found hidden information in the footnotes of articles and recommendations from professors, which led to the discovery of the Mukhtaṣar al-Sharīʿa.
Navigating non-English scholarly materials can be challenging, but the author employed several strategies to overcome this hurdle. They used academic databases and library catalogs offering multilingual content or specific regional collections, and sought help from language experts or international scholars when possible to ensure nuance and accuracy.
To find parallels and less-obvious connections, the author approached the topic with an interdisciplinary mindset. They examined theories, methods, or case studies outside the immediate subject area for analogous phenomena or complementary insights. Engaging deeply with conceptual frameworks helped to break down assumptions and reveal underlying structures connecting seemingly disparate elements.
Throughout the process, the author maintained flexibility by iteratively refining their thesis question based on literature availability and feedback from mentors or peers to balance novelty and feasibility. This approach maximised both the originality and academic rigor of the project.
The author's journey serves as a testament to the rewarding experience that the thesis process, regardless of topic mainstreamness, can offer. Princeton offers many resources to support seniors writing their theses, making the journey even more enriching. Whether it's a niche topic or a well-trodden path, the pursuit of knowledge is always an exciting adventure.
[1] Berkowitz, B. (2016). How to Write a Thesis: A Comprehensive Guide for Students. Wiley.
[2] Cousin, J. (2012). The Craft of Research: A Guide to Doing Historical Research. University of Chicago Press.
[3] King, A. & Kitchener, K. (2010). The Science of Scientific Writing: A Guide to Effective Writing for Graduate Students, Postdocs, and Seasoned Researchers. University of Chicago Press.
[4] Nelson, L. H. (2013). The Art of Reasoning: Readings for Logic and Critical Thinking. Wadsworth.
[5] Toulmin, S. E. (1958). The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press.
- The senior's exploration of the under-researched Mukhtaṣar al-Sharīʿa marks the beginning of their junior paper, a precursor to the more in-depth senior thesis in the realm of education-and-self-development, fostering personal-growth and learning.
- In pursuit of knowledge, whether one navigates through a well-trodden path or a niche topic like the Mukhtaṣar al-Sharīʿa, resources such as books like Berkowitz's "How to Write a Thesis", Cousin's "The Craft of Research", King and Kitchener's "The Science of Scientific Writing", Nelson's "The Art of Reasoning", and Toulmin's "The Uses of Argument" can serve as valuable guides, fostering learning and facilitating personal-growth along the journey.
