Degrees with Distinction/Thesis Projects
Application Deadline: June 16, 2008Submission Deadline: July 18, 2008
The thesis should be substantially more extensive than a term paper. It must be the result of independent, sustained thought, and intellectual curiosity. A survey of the literature about a particular topic is not sufficient. All of the following elements are required: 1) a clear formulation of a problem, question, or project, 2) a scholarly study which illuminates it, and 3) a conclusion supported by evidence. A bibliography and reference to existing literature in the field should be included where appropriate. An abstract consisting of no more than one page must be included at the front of the thesis. Students are encouraged to write in a manner and style that can be understood by a non-specialist in the field. The phrase "Thesis Project" acknowledges the possibility of having a scholarly honors endeavor which might not conform to the narrow definition of a "thesis". The following are examples of previous Thesis Projects: 1) the arrangement of a particular symphony and a detailed description of the process of composing arrangements with literary references, 2) the creation of a portfolio of photographic works accompanied by a lengthy historical and literary background, 3) a complete set of costume designs with detailed information about the design, research and garment building process and photographs of the realized costumes. The project must have a significant written component, but it need not be in the format of a formal thesis.
Procedure: Students who elect to work on a thesis project must make arrangements before their senior year by consulting with a faculty member who will supervise the project. The student must register for an independent study course in their major area of study (398, 398H, 499, or 499H) before proceeding with the preparation of the independent work. The Thesis Project Contract must be completed, with signatures, and filed in the Dean's Office (102 Woods Building) by the end of the first week of classes of the semester of graduation. Two faculty members must report to the Committee on the thesis work. Thesis Projects and two separate faculty evaluations must be submitted to the Dean's Office five weeks before the Commencement Exercises. Specific deadlines for each term are indicated on the Contract and Evaluation Form. Materials submitted after the stated deadlines will not be considered by the Academic Distinction and Awards Committee. In general, every thesis is read by at least one member of the Committee. However, if no member of the Committee feels qualified in the subject area of the thesis project submitted, the Committee solicits the help of another faculty member with an appropriate background. This outside reader then submits to the Committee a formal written evaluation. Even so, members of the Committee must depend heavily on the faculty evaluations.
Note: Students in the UNL Honors program may submit an Honors Thesis, providing all of the above requirements and deadlines are met.
Note: Students who wish to be recommended for distinction on the basis of a thesis alone must have a Cumulative Grade Average above 3.5.
Thesis Project Registration Form
Thesis Project Guidelines Form
Supervisor Thesis Project Evaluation Form
Second Reader Thesis Project Evaluation Form
