Thesis Guidelines

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Thesis Guidelines

The University Honors thesis project involves substantive, in-depth study/creative activity under close supervision of a faculty mentor. There is no specific required format or length for your honors project, however, likely options are a formal research paper (e.g. a thesis) or a creative activity/production (e.g., a work/works of fine or performing art; a media production; literary, musical or dramatic composition/s). You will negotiate the specific format and expectations of this project with the faculty advisor/mentor you select to work with you. However, one common feature of all honors projects is that they must involve some form of public presentation appropriate to your discipline (e.g., to peers in your discipline or the honors program, to a class, at a conference, as a recital or opening).

For more information refer to the Thesis Handbook.

Collaborative projects of an interdisciplinary nature are strongly encouraged. Students who wish to pursue such a project should submit individual proposals.

Attach proposals to the UHON 499 Thesis/Project form.

See the thesis topics of graduates with Distinction since 2005.

Assessing the Thesis

Honors projects are assessed by the faculty mentor and assigned a letter grade for UHON 499. The original proposal form provides the primary guidelines for your final assessment. The following are some additional questions that may also help you in your assessment.

  1. Is the writing/presentation clear, organized, polished and accessible?
  2. Does the final project reflect substantial, in-depth effort in the field (more than is expected by other majors)?
  3. Does the project reflect solid grounding in terminology, resources, literature, methods, techniques, theories and/or models in the discipline?
  4. Can the student orally present findings from the project/research confidently and answer questions about her/his efforts?
  5. Is this a good example of undergraduate honors level culminating work? Is it original, or thorough, or accomplished?