The history department strongly encourages all eligible history majors to pursue the honors track in history. The track culminates in the senior thesis, a yearlong, "capstone" research project completed under the direct supervision of an individual faculty advisor. Like all capstone projects, the senior thesis is intellectually challenging and its completion almost always brings with it a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It also hones the talented young historian's capacity to sustain a cogent argument based on primary evidence in the long form essay. These skills and the completion of a sustained independent project are also important practical assets when seeking a job or a post-graduate education.
A general cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a cumulative GPA in history of 3.5 are prerequisites for undertaking the senior thesis, and to obtain honors students will normally be expected to complete the thesis with a grade of A- or better. All thesis writers must also enroll in both the AS.100.507 Senior Thesis (fall, 3 credits) and AS.100.508 Senior Thesis (spring, 3 credits) and AS.100.494 Senior Honors Seminar (fall, 1 credit) and AS.100.495 Senior Honors Seminar (spring, 1 credit) - enrollment is by instructor's permission and will be granted only to students who have obtained a commitment from a faculty thesis advisor. This commitment should normally be obtained no later than April 30th of the junior year.
For questions about the honors track in history or finding a thesis advisor, consult your departmental advisor or the current Director of Undergraduate Studies.