Honors Thesis

An honors thesis in the Department of Theater provides an opportunity to deepen skills and knowledge in an area in which the student has already demonstrated the ability to produce distinguished work. Students who have completed at least five major courses and who have an average in the major of 3.4 or higher (and a College average of 3.0 or higher) are eligible to apply for the Honors Program. Students with modified as well as standard majors may apply. An Honors project normally extends through two terms and receives two major credits. Possible honors projects include:

• a written thesis or substantial piece of writing for a performance such as a full-length play;
• a realized production and supporting paper
• a design project or portfolio and supporting materials.

Students must submit a preliminary proposal to an advisor and the department chair by mid-May of their junior-year; the due date for a final proposal will be determined at that time. Final proposals must be approved by the Department. Proposals will be evaluated based on originality and depth of the project, the quality of the proposal, and the student’s prior record of accomplishment. Students who prepare for an Honors project by pursuing approved courses of advanced independent study may, with approval of the Department, be allowed to complete the project (thesis) in one term. Students in the Honors Program must complete the ten courses required for the standard or modified major; the honors credits are in addition to the ten-course major. Students may complete the ten-course major simultaneously with the Honors thesis: the ten-course major does not necessarily have to be completed before the honors work has begun. For additional information, students should consult with Chair of the Department of Theater.