Senior Honors Thesis

CLASSICS DEPARTMENT – HONORS THESIS PROTOCOL
 

Honors Program Eligibility: Candidates for high or highest honors in Classical Civilization must write a senior honors thesis under the direction of a faculty member in Classics. Potential candidates for the honors program must enroll in Classics 194HA and 194HB, normally during the first two quarters of the senior year. Enrollment is limited to upper division students with a minimum of 135 units, and a 3.500 grade point average in courses in the Classical Civilization major. For further information, students should consult with the major advisor or program director. The requirements for the honors program are in addition to the regular requirements for the major in Classical Civilization. 

Honors Thesis Description: Students will produce an academic paper of approximately 25–30 pages that addresses a clear research topic relevant to the study of the ancient world. Topics should be developed in consultation with a thesis supervisor, chosen by the student. The student must obtain their supervisor’s agreement to proceed with the project. 

Evaluation: The paper must demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in the subject matter, including a thorough grasp of the relevant scholarship and primary sources. The paper should articulate a clear, defensible argument, which should be supported by appropriate evidence. Theses deserving of high or highest honors will be evaluated based on the originality and strength of the argument. Persistently failing to meet deadlines may also jeopardize achieving high or highest honors. 

 

Track One: Fall and Winter Quarters

Fall Quarter

1st day of quarter: Eligible students must select a Classics faculty member as a supervisor for the honors thesis and obtain their permission to proceed (this is a process that ideally will be done as soon as possible after the quarter starts). Students who have confirmed their advisors and obtained permission must enroll in CLA 194HA.

12th day of instruction: Last day to enroll in CLA 194HA. 

30th day of instruction (end of week 6): A project proposal must be submitted to the advisor for approval. This proposal will detail the scope of the project and the primary research question to be addressed. It will provide an overview of the production schedule, a bibliography of primary and secondary resources to be utilized and the timeline for thesis completion. In consultation with the advisor, a thesis committee will be selected. 

Winter Quarter

1st day of quarter: Students who are completing their honors theses must enroll in CLA 194HB.

12th day of instruction: Last day to enroll in CLA 194HB.

40th day of instruction (end of week 8): Students must submit a draft of their thesis to their advisor to receive comments and edits to be completed for the final draft.  

Last day of quarter: Students must submit a submission draft of their thesis for evaluation by both the advisor and the thesis committee.

 

Track Two: Winter and Spring Quarters

Winter Quarter

1st day of instruction: Eligible students must select a Classics faculty member as a supervisor for the honors thesis and obtain their permission to proceed (this is a process that ideally will be done as soon as the quarter starts). Students who have confirmed their advisors and obtained permission must enroll in CLA 194HA.

12th day of instruction: Last day to enroll in CLA 194HA. 

30th day of instruction (end of week 6): A project proposal must be submitted to the advisor for approval. This proposal will detail the scope of the project and the primary research question to be addressed. It will provide an overview of the production schedule, a bibliography of primary and secondary resources to be utilized and the timeline for thesis completion. In consultation with the advisor, a thesis committee will be selected. 

Spring Quarter

1st day of instruction: Students completing their honors theses must enroll in CLA 194HB.

12th day of instruction: Last day to enroll in 194HB.

40th day of instruction (end of week 8): Students must submit a draft of their thesis to their advisor to receive comments and edits to be completed for the final draft.  

Last day of quarter: Students must submit a submission draft of their thesis for evaluation by both the advisor and the thesis committee.