Honors Thesis
Because theses normally range from 60 to 80 pages in length, it is helpful for an interested student to take related, writing intensive seminars in the semesters leading up to the year in which they write their thesis. These courses may also help the student identify a topic of interest. Students should consult with their thesis advisors for guidance, but the following resources may also be of help.
Finding a topic
- Choose a topic that can sustain your interest over the considerable period of time you will be investing in it
- Do not be concerned if at first your topic seems to broad, imprecise, or unoriginal
- Although the earlier you hone your argument the better, your advisor will be able to help you clarify your thesis over the first semester
Writing resources
- Booth, Wayne. The Craft of Research
- Turabian, Kate. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
- Zerubavel, Eviator. The Clockwork Muse
- Undergraduate Writing Center
Finding an advisor
Students typically ask professors with whom they have already worked to be their thesis advisors. Meeting with your professors during their office hours is a good way of making yourself known to them. Once they are familiar with both you and your work, they can better decide whether they would be able to supervise your thesis.
Funding
There are various research fellowships and scholarships that help fund undergraduate theses, such as the Rapoport-King Scholarship and the Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
