WRITING A SENIOR HONORS THESIS
2011-2012 Department of Sociology
We invite eligible sociology concentrators who are going into their senior year in Fall 2011 to write a seniors thesis. This is an opportunity for students to follow their intellectual passion; to get a feel of what it is like to conduct an independent research project while being mentored by a faculty member; and to learn about a sociologically significant topic or problem.
FAQS
Who can write a Senior Thesis?
You must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and 3.3 in Sociology.
What does writing a senior honors thesis involve?
You will conduct independent research and study under a faculty advisor on a sociological topic of your choice. You will write a thesis (usually 40-60 pages in length) and you will present and defend your thesis to a committee of departmental faculty. The first draft of the thesis will be due in March 2012 and the oral examination will be scheduled in April 2012.
What are the steps to registering for senior honors thesis work?
The first step is to discuss your plans with a faculty member who agrees to serve as your thesis advisor. You should also be in contact with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Cati Connell, to inform her of your intention to apply for thesis work.
Once you and your advisor have agreed on a basic plan, you should fill in the following application:
http://www.bu.edu/cas/pdfs/undergraduate/independent_work_application.pdf
Applications can also be picked up at the CAS advising office, 725 Comm. Ave room 105.
You should complete the first three pages of the application, and your thesis advisor must complete the fourth page (reference sheet). You should deliver the application to the Sociology Department office so that it can be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Chair. Once approved, the application must turned in to CAS Advising in Room 105 (725 Comm. Ave.). They will make sure that everything is filled in, and add it to your schedule.
What is the deadline for applying?
Deadline for application is May 15th. Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
What are the senior honors courses for which I need to register?
In Fall 2011: you will register for a 4 credit course, SO 401 (Sociology Practicum). This is a course that will bring together all sociology seniors who are engaged in writing a senior honors thesis. It will be taught by the Director of Undergraduate Studies and it will focus on helping you focus your topic, identify relevant sociological literature, create a strong research design, and get your research approved by the Institutional Review Board. In addition, you will register for a 2 credit independent study course with your primary thesis advisor who will continue to work with you on specific details of your project.
In Spring 2012: You will register for a 4 credit course, SO 402 (Honors thesis). This will consist of independent study under the primary supervision of your thesis advisor, culminating in the final draft of the thesis and the oral examination.
How does senior honors thesis work impact my sociology course requirements?
You may substitute SO 401 (Sociology Practicum) for one of the two required seminars for graduation in the major. SO 401 can also fulfill one of the ten courses required for the sociology major.
What grades do I need to receive for SO 401 and SO 402 in order to graduate with honors in sociology?
In the Fall semester course SO 401 (Sociology Practicum), you need to receive a grade of B or higher in order to continue into SO 402.. In the Spring semester, you need a grade of B+ or higher for SO 402 (which includes the oral examination and thesis defense).
What happens if I decide, after taking SO 401 in the Fall, that I don’t want to finish the thesis process? Or I receive less than a B for SO 401?
SO 401-402 is intended to be a year-long course of study with the goal of completing a senior honors thesis. However, after consulting with relevant faculty, you may choose to discontinue after taking SO 401. If you have received a grade of C+ or higher in SO 401, you can apply SO 401 towards sociology requirements.
Who should I talk to if I have more questions?
You can talk to your faculty advisor in sociology and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. For administrative questions, contact Sara Townsend (), Undergraduate Program Coordinator in Sociology.