| First-year: Junior year | •meet faculty and think about potential topics
•take History Research Seminar (4930)* •consider participating in a study abroad program •develop appropriate skills, such as foreign language competence |
| Junior year | •identify a topic and an advisor-consider applying to the University Scholars Program and CLAS Scholars Program (early February)
•apply to the History Honors Program (application review begins mid-March) •apply for History Department travel fellowships •after being accepted into the program, enroll in HIS 4971 the History Honors Workshop for the Fall semester (in person in the Department main office, 025 Keene Flint Hall) |
| Summer between Junior and Senior years | •begin research, including travel to archives if possible (alums of the program have pursued research throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Africa, and Asia) |
| Senior year (Fall) | •take HIS 4971 History Honors Workshop
•conduct bulk of research and begin writing |
| Senior year (Spring) | •enroll in Senior Thesis Research (HIS 4970, 1-3 credits) with advisor
•complete research and writing of thesis •submit thesis (see Honors Designations and Submission Deadlines) •participate in the History Honors Conference, usually the second Saturday in April. |
*Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to take the History Research Seminar (4930) during their junior year. The seminar is an ideal setting for getting to know a professor more closely than usual. Indeed, thesis topics often spring from these research-based courses. Taking the seminar thus allows a student to begin developing research skills, identifying potential thesis topics, and discussing options with professors. Though early completion of the Research Seminar is not mandatory to enter the program, it is recommended.
Note for transfer students and students graduating in the fall:
For students planning to graduate in December, it is still possible to participate in the Honors Program but doing so requires extra planning. See the Honors Program Director as soon as you reach 3LS status to plan your courses, which may involve taking the Thesis Workshop two semesters in advance.
Transfer students are also eligible for the Honors Program. See the Honors Program Director as soon as possible to plan your schedule, identify potential topics and advisors, and, if necessary, discuss additional steps you can take to prepare for the program.