Senior Thesis

A senior thesis is a substantial, independent project, supervised by a directing faculty that allows CHID students to explore further and demonstrate the application of their individual pathway through the CHID curriculum. The senior project should demonstrate that the student has attained the educational objectives of the major. Students who have planned and finished a large-scale academic project will not only have the ability to finish similar projects in their chosen field of work, but they will also have developed the communication skills necessary for the successful dissemination of their ideas.

Senior thesis projects often take the form of long papers, though other formats are acceptable. The length and complexity of the project will depend on whether one chooses the 5-credit, 10-credit, or 15-credit option. It is fulfilled by completing either CHID 490: Research Seminar or CHID 491: Senior Thesis (with the optional CHID 492 and CHID 493).

What Is the Difference Between CHID 490 and CHID 491 and How Do I Decide Between Them?

CHID 490: Research Seminar is designed to help students conceive of, undertake, and finish significant research projects within the limited time of a single quarter. Each seminar will take up a broad theme around which the readings and research projects will be organized. This theme will change each quarter CHID 490 is offered. This class is designed to help students who are having a difficult time identifying a thesis topic.  *Note: You do not need to complete a 491 form to register for this course.

CHID 491: Senior Thesis (CHID 492 / CHID 493 optional) focuses on practical approaches to formulating and pursuing intellectual questions. It is designed for students who are starting the process with a clear topic in mind (although, it does not have to be a fully developed topic) and will provide direction on how to implement their idea. With this class, students will have a collaborative experience of engaging in discussion with their peers and helping each other work out ideas through the workshop format.