|
History majors
have the option of writing a senior thesis over one or two terms. This involves
original research, normally with extensive use of primary materials. The
Department encourages students with a strong interest in a particular subject
to consider a thesis and strong advises all students considering an academic
career to write one. Although it involves a considerable Amount of work, many
students find the senior thesis the most rewarding academic experience of their
undergraduate career.
It is advisable to begin thinking about
whether you wish to write a thesis, and about possible topics, in the beginning
of junior year. The UNDED will hold an organizational meeting for juniors
considering writing a senior thesis in the spring term. Before writing a senior thesis, it is required that a student take HIST W2901 Historical Theories and
Methods (formerly, "Introduction to History") in the spring of his/her junior
year. Students who expect to be studying abroad in that semester must take HIST
W4900 The Historian's Craft in the fall of junior year as an alternative.
With some
advance planning, it is possible to gain access (whether through travel or
through inter-library loan) to sources not available at Columbia. Some students
begin research on the senior thesis in the summer before the senior year; some
students are able to do original research for the senior thesis while on
study-abroad programs in the junior year. It is, however, quite possible to
research and write a fine thesis during the senior year and using only sources
available at Columbia or in the New York area. Both Columbia College and the
School of General Studies grant research funds for thesis writers in the fall semester
of senior year. The Department will keep students informed of the application
process.
Although
theses vary in length, the Department considers a length of 10,000-15,000 words
(about 35-50 pages) to be appropriate in most circumstances. Theses should
conform to the Guidelines regarding format and citation described in the "Guidelines
for Papers" section.
A thesis is required-but not sufficient-for a
student to receive departmental honors.
A thesis is
normally written in one of the two-term Senior Thesis Seminars, HIST
C4398/C4399. Students interested in taking a Senior Thesis Seminar must submit
an application by the announced deadline in the preceding spring semester,
normally in April. Students with extenuating circumstances, i.e. study abroad
in the fall of senior year, may enroll in a thesis seminar for only one
semester with permission from the DUS.
Alternatively,
students who wish to work with a member of the Department on an individual
basis may register for a one- or two-term independent senior thesis section. If
you wish to pursue this option, you should identify an appropriate supervisor
in the term before you begin the thesis. A short proposal, approved by the
supervisor, should be forwarded to the Director of Undergraduate Studies before
the beginning of the thesis term: by
August 1 for the Fall term and December 1 for the spring term. After
receiving approval, please contact the Undergraduate Administrator regarding
registration.
Theses are
read and graded by the thesis advisor. All theses are also read by a second
faculty reader chosen by the DUS. Students will receive written comments from
the second reader.
|
