Honors Program

So You Want to Write a Senior Thesis?

Beginning in Fall 2012, the History Department will launch a new departmental Honors Program. Senior history majors possessing the requisite grade point level (a minimum of 3.0 in all courses, 3.5 in all history courses) will be able to enroll in History 401/402, a two-semester seminar that will guide students through the research and writing of an honors thesis. The ultimate goal will be the production of a 45-50 page honors thesis on a subject of the student’s choice, grounded in primary research. The two-semester sequence will be taught by a faculty member, whose permission is required for enrollment in the course. The instructor will advise students individually and facilitate a workshop environment for all thesis writers. Students will also be matched promptly with an additional faculty advisor. The new Honors Program promises to offer dedicated students the opportunity to work closely with faculty, participate in a stimulating and supportive intellectual community, and engage in deep and sustained research on a historical topic. As such, it promises to be a rewarding capstone experience. Students who fulfill the requirements for History 401 and History 402, and who receive a grade of B+ or higher on the thesis, will graduate with Honors in History.  HI 401/402 will count as a single seminar for the course requirements for history majors.

Instructor for 2012-13: Sarah Phillips (sarahphi@bu.edu)

Download the Application Form

Please Note: There is no official deadline for applications. Students should turn in their applications to the History Department as soon as they would like it to be considered. Professor Phillips will contact interested students once the application is received. An in-person meeting may be required in addition to the application.