The honors thesis in anthropology represents an opportunity to do advanced research and writing based on library research and/or fieldwork. In addition to the rules for honors eligibility specified in the catalogue [senior status, minimum GPA of B+ for courses comprising the major, honors awarded if thesis granted an A- or better], the following guidelines should be followed by majors in anthropology who wish to complete an honors thesis.

-Consult with an anthropology professor about this project early, ideally in your junior year.

-A formal proposal of two to three pages needs to be submitted to the program by the end of the first week of classes during the first semester in which thesis credits will be awarded. (Ordinarily in September for two credit theses, in January for one credit theses.) Those wishing to undertake summer research for their thesis are urged to write and submit this proposal before the end of their junior year. This can facilitate a search for financial support for such research.

-To increase exposure to multiple perspectives, the thesis will be read by at least two faculty members, usually in the Anthropology Program at Trinity. Where specialized topics warrant, a third reader can be added from another department or program at Trinity or from outside the College. The composition of your thesis committee should be discussed with and agreed to by your primary thesis advisor early in the process.

-Thesis students will be expected to have a one-hour oral thesis discussion as a final stage in the submission and approval process. The discussion should include all members of the committee, and can include others if the student and primary thesis advisor agree. It must be scheduled in advance of the deadline for final grades for seniors.

-Beginning in the 1998-9 academic year one copy of each honors thesis will be filed in the anthropology section of the McCook library, for future reference by other students and faculty. This means at least two final copies of the thesis need to be printed, one to be retained by the principal advisor and the other by the Anthropology Program in the McCook library.