Senior Thesis in Sociology<\/p>\n
All sociology majors complete a one-semester senior thesis, in which they have the\u00a0opportunity to explore a topic of particular interest to them in greater depth. In\u00a0consultation with a thesis advisor from the Department, students use the tools they\u00a0developed in the core, required courses, as well as in their junior\/senior research seminars,\u00a0to conduct original research. The thesis allows students to work as independent\u00a0sociologists, focusing on the substantive area(s) of greatest interest to them, and using the\u00a0methods and theoretical approaches they find most useful.\u00a0Before enrolling for thesis, students must complete at least one of their required\u00a0junior\/senior research seminars. As long as this pre-requisite is met, students are welcome\u00a0to write their theses in either the fall or winter of their senior year. The thesis process\u00a0begins at the end of the semester prior to enrollment in thesis (Soc. 457 or 458), at which\u00a0time majors submit a brief topic plan and a thesis advisor is assigned (based on student\u00a0preference, faculty expertise, and faculty availability). Students interested in being\u00a0considered for Departmental Honors in Sociology must begin their thesis in the fall of the\u00a0senior year, must have a GPA within the major of at least 3.67, and should have a GPA of at\u00a0least 3.67 overall as well. Additional details of the process for sociology theses in general,\u00a0and for the Departmental Honors Program, are offered in a separate\u00a0Sociology Handbook for Majors<\/a><\/strong> In addition, links to that handout are distributed to all junior\u00a0majors annually.<\/p>\n