Departmental Thesis Requirements

The thesis should be a traditional thesis, unless another format is suggested by the student's faculty mentor. Theses on literary and cultural topics generally use MLA or Chicago format, while theses on linguistics topics usually use APA format. In some cases, another format may be best. Consult with your faculty mentor to determine the most appropriate format for your topic.

How does the Honors Thesis relate to other aspects of the major, like a Capstone Project?

Students should choose a topic that they have written on or considered in one of the classes they have taken in the department, or another topic developed in consultation with their faculty mentor. They should use the analytical skills and methodologies that they have learned in their specific major and in WLC 2010 and/or WLC 2020.

Additional Information for Students

Students should start early to work with the DHL to identify a mentor and to begin work on their proposal. The proposal usually includes an abstract. Students should plan on writing multiple drafts of their thesis, maintain communication with their mentor and DHL and should set a final deadline with their mentor well before the Honors deadline.

The thesis should demonstrate that the student can develop a solid argument based in careful analysis, and integrate and engage with primary and secondary sources on their topic. The thesis should demonstrate awareness of work in the field and make its own scholarly contribution.