dissertation topic? (degree, elementary school, history, exam)

[chrisgibbs76]

I am interested in two different subjects and feel confused which one to choose for my dissertation. I like History and Criminal Justice. I like History more than Criminal Justice but majoring in history won't help me earn much money and I don't know much about criminal justice. Please suggest what I should do.

[pennquaker09]

Umm, are you talking about a major for an undergraduate degree or are you a Ph.D. student trying to come up with a topic for your dissertation?

[tinathompson12]

When it comes to dissertation writing - the rule of thumb is to go after something that you find interesting. Choosing a subject is like choosing a topic for your dissertation. I recommend you visit the following blog as it provides students with valuable suggestions.
Online Dissertation Guide

[RDSLOTS]

Since you already have two subjects of a general interest, I'd start with just some general reading (skimming will actually work), and see if something jumps out at you. I'd also ask myself what topics are current as related to the two? If you really give it some careful thought, perhaps you can actually combine the two; for example, a history of the criminal justice system in its approach to youth today? the argument as to why/when a young person should be considered an 'adult' in legal circumstances?

I stumbled across an interesting article, just this a.m., on nations wanting their artifacts/art returned to them -- mummies carried out tombs, Nazi-confiscation of valuables during WWII, for example -- and the question was along the lines of "just who owns art?"

Make a trip to the public library, or better yet, a large bookstore, and just peruse the magazines for ideas. Keep in mind, however, it will have to be something you can research, find sources on, and defend.

Paramount to the dissertation is something of genuine interest to you. The more time you put into selecting, defining, and narrowing a topic, the easier all the rest of writing the paper will be.

[viraj]

Originally Posted by chrisgibbs76

I am interested in two different subjects and feel confused which one to choose for my dissertation. I like History and Criminal Justice. I like History more than Criminal Justice but majoring in history won't help me earn much money and I don't know much about criminal justice. Please suggest what I should do.

really depends on ur long term goals....if money and success is what u desire u need to choose the major that will most help u achieve that, thats my outlook anyways

[RoaminRed]

Why not do it on the History of Criminal Justice? Combine them together, simple as that.

[RDSLOTS]

Good suggestion, RoaminRed, but you have to be careful with "the history of anything" topics as the paper is then a report, not an attempt to 'defend' something. Reports are considered, largely, unacceptable, lacking in merit, unless you are an elementary school student, and the assignment was specifically to write a report. It would be nice if it were that simple.

But, hey, still not a bad suggestion. . . I just wanted to explain the difference.