Thesis format

Written thesis format including, but not limited to, rhetorical analyses, case studies, small-scale research, and theoretical applications.

Creative projects including, but not limited to, multimodal projects or projects that are client-based (technical and professional writing).

Who is eligible to be a faculty thesis mentor?

Tenure-line and career-line faculty members with terminal degrees are able to be a faculty advisor. As part of the process for selecting an advisor, the student will first meet with the Department Honors Liaison to discuss the thesis prior to requesting a faculty member to mentor them. Afterward, students will want to make an appointment with their prospective advisor to discuss the thesis or creative project and see if the faculty member agrees to advise. Once the faculty member has agreed, the student and advisor will complete a WRS department form that stipulates the nature of the Honors thesis/project process and deadlines (see WRS website for form).

Are collaborative theses permitted?

A collaborative thesis is one where an Honors student works with one or more collaborators on the thesis.

Yes. In this case, the thesis might be more complex and require the attention of two or more students. All students are expected to contribute equally in the research and writing of the thesis or the development of the creative project. Collaborative theses involve students whose different knowledge and skill sets increase the value of the research or the complexity of the thesis requires more than one student to complete it successfully.

Are joint theses permitted?

A joint thesis is a single thesis that satisfies the requirements of multiple majors.

Yes. Students are permitted to write a thesis that fulfills the requirements for the Department of Writing and Rhetoric Studies and another major if both departments agree. Signatures from both departments are required throughout the process.

How does the Honors Thesis relate to other aspects for the major?

Students will want to take as many courses related to their particular interest in the Department of Writing and Rhetoric Studies as possible. As students proceed through their courses, they might ask the following questions. What interests me? Why am I interested (curiosity personal experience, advocacy, etc.)? What sounds like a reasonable project? If a topic is informed by rhetoric and writing, but not addressed in any specific class, students may also enroll in a research course (WRTG 4990) to meet with their advisor or another faculty member to focus more specifically on their thesis or creative project topic.

Additional information for students

See appendix.