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History majors have the option of writing a senior thesis over one or two terms. This involves original research, normally with extensive use of primary materials. The department encourages students with a strong interest in a particular subject to consider a thesis, and strongly advises all students considering an academic career to write one. Although it involves a considerable amount of work, many students find the senior thesis the most rewarding academic experience of their undergraduate career.
It is advisable to begin thinking about whether you wish to write a thesis, and about possible topics, in the junior year. UNDED will hold an organizational meeting for juniors considering writing a senior thesis in the Spring term. With some advance planning, it is possible to gain access (whether through travel or through inter-library loans) to sources not available at Columbia. Some students begin research on the senior thesis in the summer before the senior year (see below for fellowships available to support such research); some students are able to do original research for the senior thesis while on study-abroad programs in the junior year. It is, however, quite possible to research and write a fine thesis during the senior year and using only sources available at Columbia or in the New York area. Columbia College and the School of General Studies grant research funds for thesis writers in the Fall semester. The Department of History will inform students regarding the application process.
The typical length of a thesis is 10,000–15,000 words (circa 35–50 pages). Theses must conform to the Guidelines regarding format and citation described on pp. 27-31.
A thesis is required—but not sufficient— for a student to receive departmental honors.
A thesis is normally written in one of the two-term senior thesis seminars, C4398/C4399 (non-U.S.) or C4550/C4551 (U.S.). Students interested in taking a two-term senior thesis seminar must submit an application by the announced deadline in the preceding spring semester of junior year, normally in April. Students with extenuating circumstances, i.e. study abroad in fall of senior year, may enroll in a thesis seminar for only one semester with permission from the DUS. Alternatively, students who wish to work with a member of the department on an individual basis may register for a one- or two-term independent senior thesis section. If you pursue the latter option you should identify an appropriate supervisor in the term before you begin the thesis. A short proposal, approved by the supervisor, should be forwarded to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) before the beginning of the thesis term: by 1 August for the Fall term and 1 December for the Spring term.
Theses written on an individual basis must be read and graded in conjunction with a second faculty reader chosen by the supervisor and the DUS.
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