|
Honors
In Religion
Capstone Project and Honors .
A religion major has the opportunity for an extensive
research and writing experience in one of two modes: a capstone
project or an honors project. These projects allow the student either
to synthesize his or her religion studies across traditions or disciplines
or to pursue more in-depth scholarship in a particular field or
subject matter. Credit hours for a capstone or honors project should
be over and above the basic 27 hours required for the major.
I. Capstone project. The capstone project is a one-credit independent
research and writing project undertaken with permission of the instructor
in conjunction with most 300-level and some 200-level courses. A
single capstone project is open to any junior or senior religion
major. The project involves completing a research paper (approximately
25 pages) on a topic approved by the instructor. The capstone project
may be completed either within the existing course or in the semester
following the course. However, second semester seniors must complete
the capstone within the existing course. It will appear on the transcript
under the designation of "Capstone Project."
II. Honors. Honors work is done in the student's senior year and
culminates in a written honors thesis and oral defense. There are
two modes possible for undertaking an honors project. For further
guidelines, see "Important Dates for Capstone and Honors Projects,
2006-2007" and "Guidelines for Honors Projects" below.
(a) As an extension of a capstone project. Religion
majors who successfully complete a capstone project in either their
junior year or the fall semester of their senior year may submit
an application to the department for further research on that topic.
If accepted, the student will enroll for a three-credit honors project
to revise and refine the capstone project into an honors thesis
of approximately 40 to 55 pages in length. Students are encouraged
to work within their area of concentration for the major. In most
cases the original instructor will serve as the thesis director,
and two additional readers will be part of the honors committee.
By April 15th, the student will submit the honors thesis to the
department and defend the thesis in an oral exam conducted by the
committee.
(b) As a two-semester independent project. This mode of undertaking
an honors project is open to qualified senior religion majors whose
research interests do not fit into the topical scope of the existing
course offerings, but who nonetheless wish to work closely with
a religion faculty member while pursuing an independent project
of scholarship. The student enrolls for three credit hours in both
semesters of the senior year, and the project culminates in a written
thesis of approximately 40 to 55 pages. The same evaluation procedure
described under (a) will be used. A student who wishes to pursue
this mode of honors must submit an application and prospectus for
the proposed research project to the department by April 15th of
his or her junior year for a project undertaken in the course of
the senior year.
Application Form
for Honors/Capstone Project
Guidelines for Honors Projects
Important Dates for Capstone and
Honors Projects
|
