Information disseminated far more effectively over the Internet means more sources to critique. Teaching assistants might conduct a study on how collaborative blogging and other online interactions impact the classroom discussion, or analyze what effect, if any, writing in abbreviated English has on students' ability to write in conventional English. Graduate students who prefer to analyze the content of the Internet itself, could look into viral hoaxes; folklorists have already included these in their studies on urban legends, leaving no shortage of resources to reference and update.
Each adaptation of a story appeals to a particular audience, validating and occasionally subverting the cultural norms of that audience. For example, writers have taken Sherlock Holmes's "snuff" habit, a relatively small aspect of his character, and, by reintroducing Holmes as Dr. Gregory House of the TV series "House," established a commentary on how his addiction both enhances and endangers his ability to function as a respected physician. A thesis on this subject would take into account the manner in which societal attitudes toward addiction have changed since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle conceived of Holmes, and would approach critically the ways in which creative works tend to vilify and glorify intelligent addicts.
Film has been an acceptable academic medium for some time, yet comics, which arguably predate film by hundreds or even thousands of years, more often remain neglected. Still, artist-authors such as Will Eisner, Marjane Satrapi, Art Spiegelman and Bill Watterson showed that comics and graphic novels can be emotionally riveting and critically acclaimed. Comics and nonfiction writer Scott McCloud has defended the literary merit of this particular genre for decades, while the English Department at the University of Florida recently introduced a comics department.
Like comics, video games often involve intricate plot lines and caustic social commentary. As a topic of heated interdisciplinary debate between ludologists (who stress the importance of game play) and narratologists (who stress the importance of plot and other literary attributes), video games represent a form of interactive storytelling that appeals, or attempts to appeal, to people from all walks of life. Whether students wish to analyze "The Legend of Zelda" series in terms of Joseph Campbell's Hero Cycle or conduct a prolonged study on the community and stereotypes that have evolved around "World of Warcraft," they will find a network of scholars as sources and potential collaborators.
Although the field of English has become more accepting of interdisciplinary approaches and atypical subjects, some professors ranks as more tolerant than others. Students should research the faculty thoroughly in selecting a committee and make them aware of the topic and their primary and secondary sources before finalizing the thesis. Some students approach faculty from different departments to serve on a committee -- from film, information technology or art, for example.