Honors

Writing a senior thesis confers University Honors and presents an opportunity to delve into a year-long research project on a topic of interest with close advisement and encouragement from a Classics faculty member.

The Thesis Proposal

Developing a solid proposal for a great thesis takes time. That means that preparation for an honors thesis begins in the junior year. In Winter Quarter students start developing a topic, working with a faculty member who agrees to supervise their work, and planning the needed research, especially work that may need to occur over the summer. The preliminary proposal is due in early May, allowing students to make appropriate adjustments in their plan for summer research.

The final draft of the thesis proposal is due on the first day of Autumn Quarter of the student's senior year. Proposals must be approved the Undergraduate Studies Committee in order for students to be allowed to proceed with honors work.

The Thesis

The student spends senior year engaged in thesis work and may enroll in CLASSICS 199: Undergraduate Thesis for up to 6 units per term, no more than 10 units overall.  Depending on the nature of the research, the undergraduate director can approve these units to count towards Classics major requirements.  The thesis is due in May of the senior year and reviewed by at least two faculty members.  If it receives a grade of B+ or higher, honors is conferred at graduation and appears on both the diploma and official transcript.

Honors College

This is an optional September program for seniors working toward honors theses. Classics does not run an honors college but can attach you to a department that does if the request is made by the preliminary proposal deadline.

 Honors in Classics.pdf

Have questions along the way?

Contact a Peer Mentor, the Student Services Officer, or the Director of Undergraduate Studies!